Liberal Professor Named as Prime Minister

By Na Jeong-ju Staff Reporter Chung Un-chan, 63, a former Seoul National University president who is viewed as one of the most likely potential candidates for the next president, was nominated as the new prime minister, Thursday. If confirmed by the National Assembly, the native of Gongju, South Chungcheong Province, will replace Han Seung-soo, who has served since President Lee Myung-bak's inauguration in February last year. Cheong Wa Dae called Chung a broad-minded leader pursuing national harmony, saying his experience as a long-time economics professor will help realize Lee's vision of centrist pragmatism and promote policies for ordinary citizens. The veteran economist was approached by an opposition party to run for the presidency in 2007. He is widely viewed as liberal, in contrast with the conservative head of state. As a professor, he has often criticized President Lee's economic policy, including the plan to refurbish four major rivers. In a Cabinet reshuffle affecting six more ministers, President Lee tapped three governing Grand National Party lawmakers - Choi Kyung-hwan, Yim Tae-hee and Joo Ho-young - as ministers in an apparent bid to strengthen policy coordination inside the governing camp. Choi, 54, was designated as minister of knowledge economy, while Yim, 53, was nominated minister of labor. Joo, 49, was designated as minister for special policies, a post that had been vacant since being created in February last year. Gen. Kim Tae-young, 60, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was made defense minister, replacing Lee Sang-hee, who recently caused a stir by sending a "protest" letter to the presidential office over next year's defense budget. President Lee also designated former Vice Justice Minister Lee Kwi-nam, 58, as justice minister and Seoul National University professor Paik Hee-young, 59, as minister of gender equality. The reshuffle came about two months ahead of by-elections in October, regarded as a confidence vote for President Lee and a barometer for local elections next June. GNP lawmakers have warned Lee may become an early lame duck if the governing party fails to win. "The new lineup will focus on reviving the economy, improving the livelihood of ordinary people and promoting national harmony," said Lee Dong-kwan, senior presidential secretary for public relations. The GNP had demanded a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle since its crushing by-election defeat in April. Initially, Lee planned to conduct a Cabinet shakeup in July or August, but delayed the plan due to the deaths of former Presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Kim Dae-jung, according to Cheong Wa Dae officials. On Monday, President Lee replaced four of his senior secretaries and will complete the secretariat reshuffle as early as this week, they said. jj@koreatimes.co.kr