By Shim Jae-yun
Staff Reporter

President Roh Moo-hyun’s naming of Lee Hae-chan, a stalwart lawmaker of the ruling Uri Party, as prime minister is expected to affect the looming shakeup of Cabinet members.

Chong Wa Dae has so far remained silent on the timing and scope of the cabinet reshuffle expected in the near future.

Presidential spokesman Yoon Tai-young on Wednesday declined to provide any details on the reshuffle, saying, ``I have nothing to say about that since the president, who holds the right to name Cabinet members, has made no comment.’’

But other sources cautiously predict Roh will change his plans this time due to the changed circumstances.

Roh had been stubbornly maintaining his choice of former South Kyongsang Province Governor Kim Hyuck-kyu for prime minister, but his plan failed following the ruling Uri Party’s crushing defeat in the June 5 by-elections.

Given this, Roh is likely to take a different course of action although he has only been seeking to replace three ministers – those for unification, culture and tourism, and health and welfare.

Chong Wa Dae officials say the Cabinet shakeup is likely to occur around late June or early July in light of the planned confirmation hearing at the National Assembly and other procedures.

Former Uri Party chairman Chung Dong-young and former party floor leader Kim Geun-tae, both potential presidential candidates, have been competing for the post of unification minister.

But the appointment of Lee as prime minister is likely to affect their moves. Kim is five years older than Lee and senior in political terms, maiking it difficult for him to work under Lee.

In response to Lee’s selection, an aide to Kim said, ``It’s somewhat surprising. Let’s wait and see.’’

Against this backdrop, it is possible that Kim will be excluded from the Cabinet, with only Chung receiving a post.

``But it is also feasible that neither Kim nor Chung will become ministers due to the need to ensure fairness in personnel administration,’’ a Chong Wa Dae official said.

An aide to Chung said his boss will run in the National Assembly by-elections early next year if he fails to be appointed to a ministerial post.

Chung is currently in Japan and will return June 23 after a visit to the United States.

jayshim@koreatimes.co.kr