Successor Unification Minister, Political Skill and Breakthrough Power Im Jong-seok Rises Again

During his tenure as Chief of Staff at Cheong, he led three inter-Korean summits... Lee In-young, former ruling party floor leader, also a strong candidate

[Asia Economy Reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Kim Dong-pyo] Attention is once again focusing on former Blue House Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok (photo) after Minister of Unification Kim Yeon-chul expressed his intention to resign, taking responsibility for the deterioration of inter-Korean relations. Im, whose political skills and ability to break through current issues have been proven, is regarded as the right person to untangle the complicated knot of inter-Korean relations.

On the 16th, Minister Kim expressed his intention to resign, stating, "In the current situation, it is also my duty to create an opportunity for a change in atmosphere." The keyword "change" is noteworthy.

Minister Kim was appointed as the head of the Ministry of Unification with high expectations, but due to the deadlock in North Korea-US relations, he faced difficulties in laying the groundwork for peace on the Korean Peninsula. Since his inauguration, he has not had many opportunities for negotiations with the North, earning him the reputation of an "unfortunate minister," making the nickname "master negotiator" seem ironic.

President Moon Jae-in is entering the Cabinet meeting held at the Blue House on the morning of the 8th, accompanied by Im Jong-seok, Chief Presidential Secretary. [Image source=Yonhap News]

As the uncomfortable situation in inter-Korean relations continued, experts pointed out that someone must take responsibility, which ultimately led to the expression of his intention to resign.

Following Minister Kim's announcement, the Ministry of Unification is in a state of disorder. Although there are criticisms that his resignation is due to "catering to North Korea," it is reported that Minister Kim's will to resign is firm. The Ministry of Unification is also expected to hold a farewell ceremony on the 18th as soon as President Moon Jae-in's approval is granted.

The Blue House is being reserved in its comments but is leaning toward accepting the resignation. A key Blue House official said, "We will decide on the approval soon." If Minister Kim's replacement is confirmed, the discussion may shift to a full-scale overhaul of the Blue House and government’s diplomatic and security line.

Jeong Dong-young, former member of the Minsheng Party and former Minister of Unification, said in an interview with YTN Radio's "Noh Young-hee's Start Morning" on the 18th, "We need to seek a turnaround, and a major reshuffle of the diplomatic and security line could be one option."

Park Ji-won, Chair Professor at Dankook University, said in an interview with tbs Radio's "Kim Eo-jun's News Factory" on the 18th regarding the luncheon with President Moon on the 17th, "One attendee said that the diplomatic and security line responsible for today's situation should be held accountable, but the president did not comment on that."

Jeong Eui-yong, Director of the National Security Office, born in 1946, is 74 years old, and considering the prolonged period of his service at the Blue House, there have been many opinions that he should be replaced at an appropriate time. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo are also mentioned as potential replacements if President Moon considers a cabinet reshuffle.

As the Blue House is considering a personnel reshuffle within this month, including Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok, the Blue House viewed from the Government Seoul Office Building on the 4th shows a calm appearance. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

While it is not impossible that President Moon will choose a full replacement of the diplomatic and security line including Director Jeong, there is also a possibility of a one-point personnel change limited to the Ministry of Unification.

Since Minister Kim has paved the way himself, there is a growing opinion, especially within the ruling party, that a "breakthrough-type" Minister of Unification is needed to carry forward the intention. Although senior lawmakers such as Lee In-young and Woo Sang-ho, who have served as floor leaders, are also considered suitable candidates for the Ministry of Unification, the general consensus is that former Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok is the most likely choice.

Former Chief of Staff Im receives high marks for his political weight as the first Blue House Chief of Staff under the Moon Jae-in administration and for having led three inter-Korean summits. He has extensive political experience, having served as a member of the National Assembly as early as 2000, and is regarded as the right person for negotiations with the North. He is seen as someone who can create a turning point in inter-Korean relations based on bold policies.

However, on November 18 last year, Im Jong-seok posted on Facebook, "I now intend to pursue the work of peace on the Korean Peninsula and joint prosperity between the South and the North, which is both my dream and calling, in the civilian sector," indicating his intention to distance himself from active politics. Despite continued encouragement to run in the 21st general election, he chose not to run. For this reason, there is speculation that even if President Moon considers the "Im Jong-seok card," Im himself may decline.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.