Political parties show mixed reactions to Pres. Park`s staff reshuffle

Political parties show mixed reactions to Pres. Park`s staff reshuffle. February. 28, 2015 07:16. will71@donga.com.

The ruling Saenuri Party showed mixed responses to President Park Geun-hye`s reshuffle Friday of her staff, including her nomination of Lee Byung-kee, South Korea`s spy chief, as her new chief of staff.

Kim Moo-sung, the ruling party`s chairman, welcomed Lee`s nomination, saying that he expects the former spy chief to "do a good job," referring to Lee`s long experiences in working at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae and "good" performances as director of the National Intelligence Service (NIS).

Kim, who opposed the president`s appointment of lawmakers as her special political advisers, positively viewed the latest reshuffle, noting that new appointees will "play good roles as bridges" among the ruling party, the administration and Cheong Wa Dae.

However, Saenuri`s floor leader Yoo Seung-min expressed "regret" that Lee left the NIS just seven months after he became the spy chief. Regarding the president`s nomination of special political advisors, Lee expressed that the president picks those who can communicate well with opposition parties and non-mainstream groups within the ruling party.

Kim Young-rok, a spokesman for the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy, criticized the reshuffle, expressing concern that it would "raise the specter of politics by intelligence and public security." He also argued that the reshuffle was a rejection of the public`s demand and "sliding door" personnel appointments.