Lee replaces heads of 6 ministries amid sinking approval rating

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced a major Cabinet reshuffle on Sunday, seeking to rejuvenate his administration. The move comes as the president's approval ratings plummet, public discontent grows over housing issues, and the administration strives to unite liberal and progressive factions. Chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik declared that the new leadership would bring dynamism and expertise, ensuring tangible improvements for citizens.

First Vice Finance Minister Lee Hyoung-il, aged 55, has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Finance and Economy. Democratic Party Representative Kim Seung-won, 57, will assume the role of Justice Minister. Transport Minister Hong Jee-sun, 56, will head the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport.

Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul, aged 55, formerly served as a deputy commander of the South Korea-US Combined Forces Command, and also joined the government. In a fresh move to appeal to younger voters, Representative Yong Hye-in, 36, of the Basic Income Party, was selected as Minister of Gender Equality and Family.

The administration aims to capitalize on the fresh perspectives of younger leaders, with Lee Hyoung-il expected to boost economic indicators and drive stable growth. Hong, the nominee for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, is notable as the first individual to hold the position who passed the higher civil service examination for local public officials.

The appointments also seek to reinforce unity among liberal and progressive factions while maintaining support from the administration's traditional base. Lee Hai-min, 42, a former Google engineer, was appointed Senior Secretary for AI Future Planning, while Kim Kyoung-soo, a former governor of South Gyeongsang Province, was named Special Adviser for Political Affairs.

Notably, the reshuffle includes several lawmakers in their 30s and 40s leading government ministries, such as Yong's nomination as Minister of Finance and Economy and Representative Lee So-young, 41, as Minister for SMEs and Startups. Additionally, Ha Jung-woo, 49, former Senior Presidential Secretary for Artificial Intelligence Affairs, has been appointed Vice Chairperson of the Presidential Council on National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

Energy transition policy director general Lee Won-ju, 55, oversees three megaprojects, including semiconductors and AI, announced by the administration in June.