Appoint right people
Qualified picks for PM, chief aide crucial for Yoon
President Yoon Suk Yeol again disappointed the Korean people when he made a statement regarding the crushing defeat of his governing People Power Party (PPP) in the April 10 general elections. Via a 56-word statement read by his chief secretary Lee Kwan-sup on Thursday, Yoon vowed to “humbly accept the people’s will demonstrated in the elections.” He also pledged to revamp state administration, stabilize the economy and enhance the well-being of the public.
Regrettably, Yoon failed to demonstrate sincerity and remorse, even in the wake of a resounding loss in the recent elections. Yoon needs to feel a sense of urgency over the gravity of the situation. Besides the poorly prepared statement plus the fact that he didn’t deliver it himself, Yoon deserves criticism for failing to be sincere as he just regurgitated the usual typical political jargon.
Now, all eyes are on the looming reshuffle of major posts in the Yoon administration. The key highlight, of course, will be on who will succeed Han Duck-soo as prime minister and Lee Kwansup as chief presidential secretary.
Naming the appropriate individuals to these positions is especially critical, as it will significantly indicate whether the ruling bloc can fulfill the public’s expectations following the humiliating defeat.
Yoon needs to brace for the challenging task of fighting with a gigantic opposition bloc comprising 192 seats in the National Assembly. This requires the president to appoint a prime minister who can wield authority beyond partisan differences. Instead of being just a caretaker, Yoon needs a stalwart politician who can steadfastly pursue change and revamp the ruling bloc. To achieve this, the president should engage with the opposition camp, enabling them to suggest a suitable candidate known for their trustworthiness, commitment to reform and authenticity.
The opposition’s cooperation is crucial for Yoon, because the new premier has to be approved by the National Assembly through hearings. The new prime minister should engage in direct communication with opposition leaders and lawmakers to solicit their cooperation in carrying out state affairs.
The president should steer clear of selecting a candidate from his inner circle. It’s crucial to avoid individuals implicated in policy blunders during Yoon’s tenure or those associated with the prosecution. Should Yoon ignore this, he will surely face an enormous backlash from the people and suffer a significant setback during the remainder of his term.
On Sunday, the presidential office said it would take time to unveil the list of possible candidates for the new prime minister and chief presidential secretary. It appears that the government is on the verge of unveiling a set of initiatives aimed at addressing the deteriorating public sentiment. It is also important to consider strategies for success in the upcoming parliamentary hearings.
Alongside the naming of the prime minister and the chief aide, Yoon should embark on a full-fledged overhaul of cabinet members and his staff. The chief presidential secretary should be selected from individuals capable of candidly advising the president, ensuring direct communication of the people’s sentiments. He or she should be capable of playing a role that extends beyond merely assisting the head of state. The new chief secretary should briskly communicate with party leaders and lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition camps.
Most importantly, Yoon himself should prove his own unswerving will and sincerity toward reform and change. Earlier, he said, “The people are always right,” yet in a seemingly reluctant way. He has also triggered criticism for his underwhelming communication style.
The appointment of the prime minister and chief presidential secretary should be a watershed that can profoundly change Yoon’s “uncommunicative” style of state administration. The possible success of Yoon’s remaining three years in office will largely hinge on the imminent reshuffle. The president plans to express his stance regarding the election defeat during a Cabinet meeting slated for Tuesday. He must first acknowledge his responsibility for the loss and devise measures aimed at rebuilding trust with the public and repairing relations with the opposition camp, ultimately steering the nation back on a normal course.