South Korean Prime Minister Goh Kun officially rendered his written resignation to President Roh Moo-hyun on Monday, according to South Korean Presidential Office.

Goh rendered his resignation amid repeated requests by Roh to let him make recommendations of several new cabinet ministers. Goh refused the demand by saying that it was not proper for an outgoing prime minister to do that.

"I am very sorry I cannot accept the request because I think it is burdensome to President Roh for the outgoing prime minister to make recommendations for the first cabinet to be formed after the president's reinstatement," Goh said in his resignation letter.

But Goh also said he will continue his routine work until Roh accepts his resignation officially, according to Presidential Office Spokesman Yoon Tai-young.

It was reported that Goh is to attend a weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday, and Roh may meet Goh at the sideline of the meeting.

Goh expressed his intention to resign on May 14 in a meeting with Roh after South Korean Constitutional Court reinstated Roh's presidential rights by rejecting the impeachment motion passed by the outgoing National Assembly on March 12.

And Roh already accepted Goh's intention on the day. But Goh said he would stay in the position before Roh nominates a new candidate for the post.

Since then, Goh has been kept low profile in public occasion.

Goh gave his written resignation letter to Presidential Office Chief of Staff Kim Woo-sik earlier Monday, who visited Goh's residence to persuade him to use recommendation right.

But Goh officially refused to do that. Kim has visited Goh twice previously, but received negative responses from Goh.

Roh previously planned to conduct a cabinet reshuffle around mid-June, but he advanced the timetable to this week, citing uneasiness among ministers and senior officials likely to be affected by the reorganization.

But according to the Constitution, it is the prime minister who shall make recommendation of candidates of cabinet members to president.

According to laws, the president needs to get approval of the parliament before appointing a new prime minister. However, the new National Assembly will kick off session on June 7.

It means if Goh refuses to make a recommendation, Roh's cabinet shakeup has to wait for the opening of new parliament.

Source: Xinhua