President Moon's Choice for the Ministry of Unification... Rising Interest in Im Jong-seok and Lee In-young (Comprehensive)

First National Assembly Bid in 2000's 16th General Election... Reform-Oriented Legislative Activities, Resembling Expertise on the Korean Peninsula

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] On the 19th, President Moon Jae-in accepted the resignation of Minister of Unification Kim Yeon-cheol, drawing attention to his successor. Considering the 'ability to overcome current issues,' which was pointed out as a weakness of Minister Kim, who is a former university professor, it is evaluated that a senior politician from the ruling party is the right candidate.

The figures mentioned as priorities inside and outside the ruling party are former Chief of Staff to the President Lim Jong-seok, who served as the first Chief of Staff in the Moon Jae-in administration, and Representative Lee In-young, who served as the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. Both have expertise in Korean Peninsula issues such as inter-Korean relations and possess extensive personal networks.

Former Chief of Staff Lim led three inter-Korean summits while serving as the Chief of Staff at the Blue House, establishing ties with the North Korean side during practical work processes. He is even evaluated as the highest-ranking official most trusted by the North Korean side.

Im Jong-seok, Chief of Staff at the Blue House, attended the full meeting of the Steering Committee held at the National Assembly on the 31st and responded to questions from lawmakers. This Steering Committee meeting was convened for a briefing on the current issues regarding the Blue House Special Inspection Team allegations. It is the first time in 12 years since Jeon Hae-cheol, the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, appeared before the National Assembly Steering Committee in August 2006. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

Professor Park Ji-won, Chair Professor at Dankook University, appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the 19th and gave a favorable evaluation of former Chief of Staff Lim, saying, "In my view, if the President asks him to take charge, he would do very well," and added, "Also, having served as Chief of Staff, he has a dignified presence."

However, former Chief of Staff Lim has expressed his intention to work in the private sector for peace on the Korean Peninsula, and there is speculation that he may find it difficult to accept a cabinet appointment offer as he keeps a distance from practical politics.

The figure rapidly emerging as a strong candidate mainly within the ruling party is Representative Lee. Lee led the ruling party to a great victory in the 21st general election as the floor leader. It is evaluated that Representative Lee, a senior incumbent lawmaker of the ruling party, is the right person to untangle the complicated knots of inter-Korean relations. He has consistently worked to improve inter-Korean relations, including leading the 'DMZ Unification Walk' event.

Lee In-young, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the joint meeting of floor leaders and standing committee secretaries held at the National Assembly on the 21st, delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Former Chief of Staff Lim and Representative Lee, who are mentioned as strong candidates for the next Minister of Unification, are similar politicians. Both served as chairpersons of the National Council of Student Representatives (Jeondaehyeop) and are regarded as symbols of the student movement, sharing the history of first challenging entry into Yeouido through the 16th general election in 2000.

They also share the common reason for entering politics: peace on the Korean Peninsula and improvement of inter-Korean relations. Former Chief of Staff Lim became a member of the 16th National Assembly, and Representative Lee became a member of the 17th National Assembly, both growing into reform-oriented politicians thereafter.

The difference lies in that Representative Lee mainly worked in the National Assembly, while former Chief of Staff Lim has experience working outside the Yeouido stage, such as Chief of Staff to the President and Deputy Mayor for Political Affairs of Seoul. It is evaluated that it is difficult to judge superiority or inferiority regarding their perspectives on inter-Korean issues or affection for the Moon Jae-in administration's North Korea policy.

President Moon is expected to decide on the successor after carefully considering various variables, including the National Assembly confirmation hearings.

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