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President Park accepts resignation of maritime minister

Posted December. 24, 2014 07:34,   

한국어

President Park Geun-hye officially announced resignation of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Lee Ju-young (photo), on Dec. 23. President Park asked other ministers “to do your best (in your position) bearing in mind that Man proposes, God disposes.” The quoted phrase is commonly used in Korea to mean that a person must do what he can do and wait for the heaven’s decision. This comment can be interpreted as that the President would eval‍uate performance of ministers and decide replacement. Some view the remarks as a sign of cabinet reshuffling, which is usually done at the end and beginning of a year.

While chairing the last cabinet meeting of 2014 at the Government Complex in Sejong city, President Park said, “Minister Lee resigns after the cabinet meeting today. When the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries was going through the most difficult time following the Sewol accident, the victims` families and the people were deeply moved by the dedication (Lee) showed toward the recovery efforts with every part of himself by remaining at the site in Jindo for 136 days." This is the first time for the President to openly praise the dedication of a minister who is stepping down.

President Park added, “I believe (Lee) showed the true image of a public official. Other cabinet members are requested to do your best bearing in mind that Man proposes, God disposes.” The context means that it is possible to perform a partial reshuffling in the cabinet marking the 3rd year of the presidential term with aims to settle the disordered administration by ‘Jeong Yoon-hoi memoranda’ scandal. Some forecast that the ‘two top officials,’ Prime Minister Jung Hong-won or Presidential Chief of Staff Kim Ki-choon, may be replaced.