S.Korean president conducts partial cabinet shakeup

South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun conducted partial cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday, replacing six ministers.

Roh named former Seoul National University President Lee Ki-junas deputy minister for education and human resources development, according to a news release of the Presidential Office.

He appointed Oh Young-kyo, who is head of the (South) Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency, government administration and home affairs minister.

Jang Ha-jin, former head of the state-run (South) Korea Women's Development Institute, was tapped as gender equality minister, while former Busan City Mayor Oh Geo-don as maritime affairs and fisheries minister.

Moreover, ruling Uri Party Rep. Park Hong-soo was appointed agriculture and forestry minister. Kim Sun-wook, Ewha Woman's University professor, has become government legislation minister.

Roh Moo-hyun told local media late last year that he would conduct a partial cabinet reshuffle in early January for a fresh start to the third year of his five-year term. Roh took his officein February 2003.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance and Economy Minister Lee Hun-jai was not affected by the cabinet reshuffle.

As a firm advocate of free market economy, Lee often openly quarreled with Roh's aids and young reform-minded lawmakers from the ruling Uri Party who stick to equalization of social wealth.

Source: Xinhua