Cabinet Reshuffle to Come as Early as Tuesday

President Lee Myung-bak will announce a reshuffle of the Cabinet and the presidential office as early as Tuesday to resolve the political crisis triggered by the planned resumption of U.S. beef imports.

Prime Minister Han Seung-soo and the Cabinet are expected to tender their resignations as early as today, following the lead of presidential chief of staff Yu Woo-ik and all senior presidential secretaries Friday.

President Lee reportedly plans to replace four secretaries and two or more Cabinet members.

“Over the (Memorial Day) holiday and weekend, the president has been listening to many opinions,” a source at the presidential office said. “The plan might be announced Tuesday.”

“The presidential office plans to replace four out of eight senior presidential secretaries and a few Cabinet members.”

Another source said, “Prime Minister Han Seung-soo is unlikely to be replaced.”

Agriculture Minister Chung Woon-chun and Health Minister Kim Soung-yee are almost certain to be fired, while the fates of Education Minister Kim Doh-yeon and Finance Minister Kang Man-soo remain under consideration.

The plan for a smaller-scale reshuffle is to prevent a prolonged administrative void due to the time required for parliamentary confirmation hearings to appoint ministers. The 18th National Assembly started its term on May 31, but has yet to convene due to a boycott by the main opposition party.

The replacement of the senior presidential secretaries for political, civil and economic affairs is highly likely. Some say presidential chief of staff Yu is also in danger of losing his job.

A presidential office source said, “President Lee is seriously considering until the last minute who to replace because he is rationally and comprehensively evaluating the capabilities of those who are rumored to be on the way out. The upcoming reshuffle will cover not only those responsible for this situation.”

mhpark@donga.com