Key facts
- President Lee Jae Myung reshaped his Cabinet with six new ministerial appointments.
- The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) slammed the reshuffle, alleging political motivations.
- The PPP criticized the justice minister nominee, Kim Seung-won, suggesting it aims to protect the president.
- The opposition also raised concerns about the gender equality minister nominee, Yong Hye-in, fearing increased social division.
- The ruling Democratic Party (DP) defended the appointments, asserting the nominees' qualifications.
SEOUL, Aug. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's main opposition People Power Party (PPP) on Monday criticized President Lee Jae Myung's latest Cabinet reshuffle, accusing him of prioritizing his political interests over improving people's livelihoods and the economy.
President Lee appointed six ministers in a significant reshuffle on Sunday. Among the new appointees are Rep. Kim Seung-won of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) as the justice minister and Rep. Yong Hye-in, floor leader of the minor Basic Income Party, as the gender equality minister.
"This Cabinet reshuffle is President Lee's declaration that he is completely rejecting public calls for an overhaul of state affairs," said PPP floor leader Jeong Jeom-sig during a party meeting. Jeong specifically took issue with Kim's nomination for justice minister, suggesting it was intended to help drop criminal charges against the president. He also accused Lee of aiming to boost his approval ratings rather than addressing economic concerns.
PPP Rep. Shin Dong-wook echoed these sentiments, stating that nominating someone like Kim as justice minister challenges the people and suggests the president believes the minister's primary role is to protect him.
The PPP also criticized Yong's nomination for gender equality minister, arguing it could exacerbate social divisions. The party has previously accused Yong of fueling gender conflict among young people through her past remarks on issues like military service.
Conversely, the DP defended Lee's choices, asserting that the six nominees are fully qualified. DP leader Kim Min-seok stated that the reshuffle marks a new direction for state affairs and that the nominees' past views can be refined during confirmation hearings.