(LEAD) Lee nominates 6 ministers in major Cabinet reshuffle, including finance minister

Seoul, Aug. 30 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung has announced the appointment of six new ministers in a significant Cabinet reshuffle, including the finance minister. Vice Finance Minister Lee Hyoung-il will replace the current finance minister, as per a presidential official. Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik revealed the reshuffle during a press briefing, which also included the nomination of former South Korea-U.S.

Combined Forces Command deputy commander Kang Shin-chul as the new defense minister. The other new ministers are: Vice Land Minister Hong Jee-sun (new land minister), DP Rep. Kim Seung-won (new justice minister), Rep. Yong Hye-in (new gender equality minister), and DP Rep. Lee So-young (minister for small and medium-sized enterprises).

These appointments represent the first major Cabinet reshuffle since Lee assumed the presidency in June of the previous year, coinciding with a recent decline in his approval rating. This comes amid growing worries over escalating housing prices and stock market instability. President Lee characterized the reshuffle as the selection of leaders with dynamism and expertise who will bring about concrete changes for the public and propel the nation towards a significant leap forward.

The nominees are scheduled to undergo confirmation hearings in the National Assembly. As part of the reshuffle, former South Gyeongsang Governor Kim Kyoung-soo has been appointed as Lee's special aide for political affairs, while DP Rep. Lee Hai-min of the minor Rebuilding Korea Party will serve as the presidential secretary for artificial intelligence (AI) policy and future planning.

President Lee emphasized his desire to inject new vitality into people's livelihoods and spur growth, while expediting innovation in future industries, including AI. The presidential chief of staff vowed to deliver tangible results in policy implementation.