Chung Un-chan, a former Seoul National University (SNU) president, was designated as the Prime Minister yesterday in a cabinet reshuffle. Lee Myung-bak, President of Korea, also nominated 6 new ministers to promote his economic and political agendas.
Chung Un-chan, a 63-year-old native of South Chungcheong province in Korea, was designated for his organizational power and ability to maintain peace and harmony even though his political and economical views were quite different from that of President Lee. In fact, he has been critical of the Lee administration's economic policies, especially the 4 Major Rivers project.
Choi Kyung-hwan, a 54-year-old Grand National Party lawmaker representing Gyeongsan and Cheongdo in North Gyeongsang, was nominated as the Knowledge Economy Minister. He worked as a public servant and an editorial writer for the Korea Economic Daily until he was elected as a lawmaker in 2004.
According to the Blue House, Choi's expertise in economic policy coordination was a key factor. "Choi understands deeply the energy and IT industries and the president expects him to push forward his green growth strategy," a Blue House official said.
In addition, Lee kwi-nam, a 58-year-old former Vice-Minister of Justice, was nominated as the Minister of Justice. Kim Tae-young, a 60-year-old of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was nominated as the Minister of National Defense. Yim Tae-hee, a 53 year old lawmaker of the Grand National Party, was nominated as the Minister of Labor. Paik Hee-young, a 59 year old SNU professor of food and nutrition and Joo Ho-young, a 49 year old Grand National Party lawmaker, were nominated as Ministers without portfolios.
