Main opposition slams Lee's Cabinet reshuffle over key ministerial picks

Seoul, Aug. 31 (Yonhap) -- The People Power Party (PPP), South Korea's main opposition, vehemently criticized President Lee Jae Myung's latest Cabinet reshuffle on Monday, alleging that the president prioritized his political agenda over addressing citizens' well-being. In a major reshuffle held on Sunday, Lee ushered in six new ministers, including Rep. Kim Seung-won from the ruling Democratic Party (DP) as the new justice minister, and Rep. Yong Hye-in from the minor Basic Income Party as the new gender equality minister.

PPP floor leader Jeong Jeom-sig, during a meeting of the party's supreme council at the National Assembly, lambasted the president for disregarding calls for an overhaul of state affairs. Jeong specifically took issue with Kim's appointment as justice minister, contending that it was a move aimed at helping Lee avoid criminal charges. He also accused Lee of seeking to boost his approval ratings rather than focusing on improving people's livelihoods and the economy.

Another PPP representative, Shin Dong-wook, echoed Jeong's sentiments, emphasizing the crucial role of the justice minister as the last line of defense for the rule of law in South Korea. Nomination of someone like Kim, Shin argued, demonstrated the president's belief that the minister's sole purpose was to protect him, posing a direct threat to public trust.

The PPP also lambasted Lee's selection of Rep. Yong as gender equality minister, contending that her nomination could exacerbate social divisions rather than promote national unity. The opposition party alleged that Yong had fueled gender conflict among young people due to her prior remarks on military service and other gender-related issues.

In contrast, the DP defended Lee's nominations, stating that the six nominees were fully qualified for their respective roles. DP leader Kim Min-seok maintained that the reshuffle marked a new direction for state affairs, emphasizing that nominees would undergo confirmation hearings to refine and redefine their past views without prejudging them.