South Korean President carries out small-scale Cabinet reshuffle

On September 13, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol conducted a small-scale Cabinet reshuffle, replacing three ministers: Minister of National Defense, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Minister of Gender Equality and Family.

People's Power Party (PPP) lawmaker Shin Won-sik was nominated as Defense Minister.

Special Presidential Adviser for Culture and Education Yoo In-chon has been selected as the candidate for Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Former Chairman of the ruling PPP's Emergency Committee Kim Ha-eng was nominated to serve as Minister of Women and Family.

Presidential Chief of Staff Kim Dae-ki said that Defense Minister nominee Shin Won-sik has extensive experience in both defense policy and operations, and is considered the most suitable person to establish security capabilities in the current context and complete the 4.0 defense reform strategy.

Meanwhile, Culture Minister candidate Yoo In-chon has many years of experience in the field of culture and arts, having served as Minister of Culture under the government of former President Lee Myung-bak.

Meanwhile, candidate for Minister of Gender Equality and Family Kim Ha-eng served as spokesman for the Presidential Office under the government of former President Park Geun-hye, and later served as Chairman of the PPP Party's Emergency Countermeasures Committee.

This is President Yoon's second Cabinet reshuffle since taking office in May 2022.

Experts say that considering the expertise of the candidates, the President's decision to reshuffle the Cabinet this time is aimed at maintaining professional continuity while promoting the responsibility and role of civil servants.

Last June, President Yoon reshuffled his Cabinet for the first time since taking office, replacing two ministerial-level officials, the Unification Minister, the Chairman of the People's Rights Committee, and 13 vice ministers.