'Private Meeting with the President' Lee Nak-yeon, How Far Did the Cabinet Reshuffle Talk Go?

Denial of Reports Demanding Replacement of Chu Mi-ae and Kim Hyun-mi... "Did Not Discuss Specific Positions or Individuals"

[Asia Economy reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Jeon Jin-young] "It is true that I had a private meeting with President Moon Jae-in." What Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, told reporters on the 19th is a key point to watch in the November political landscape.

Although this statement came during the process of clarifying reports that he demanded the replacement of Justice Minister Chu Mi-ae and Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kim Hyun-mi, it serves as a clue that could influence the flow of politics. It is also crucial to see whether Lee will raise his 'own voice' to break through the recent stagnation and crisis in the presidential election dynamics.

Competition within the Democratic Party is currently a tight race with Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung. Some polls, though within the margin of error, show numbers trailing behind Governor Lee. Turning to the potential candidates from the opposition camp, Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl's momentum is notable.

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering opening remarks at the expanded executive meeting held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 20th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Lee, who earned points for his stable governance ability during his tenure as Prime Minister, has shown signs of wavering since returning to 'Yeouido.' This is why there is interest in whether Lee voiced his so-called own opinions during his private meeting with President Moon.

Lee, who must prepare for the April by-elections for Seoul and Busan mayors and the 2022 presidential election, is on a different timetable from the Blue House. It is particularly intriguing what advice he gave to soothe public sentiment during the private meeting with the president, especially regarding the cabinet reshuffle. While Lee's side denies reports that he specifically named Minister Chu and Minister Kim, they do not deny having expressed opinions on current issues such as the reshuffle.

A source close to Lee said about the timing of the private meeting with the president, "It seems it was around the time mentioned at the Kwanhun Club debate." Lee had stated at the Kwanhun debate on the 17th, "Not long ago, I met the president and had various conversations. It included issues you might imagine."

Although he dismissed speculation that he demanded the replacement of Ministers Chu and Kim, the spark of controversy remains. Even conveying a message about considering public sentiment without naming names can lead to various political interpretations.

When asked on the 20th whether he discussed the cabinet reshuffle during the private meeting with President Moon, Lee left a lingering remark, saying, "I did not talk about specific occasions or people."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Minister Chu has a history of standing with Lee even during the time when the Democratic Party split from the Uri Party. Minister Kim is someone who worked closely with Lee on policy matters during his time as Prime Minister. Demanding Minister Kim's replacement over real estate policy could backfire on Lee himself.

Considering President Moon's personnel style and the direction of key policies such as prosecutorial reform and real estate, it is generally expected that it would be difficult to remove Ministers Chu and Kim.

Replacing Ministers Chu or Kim could appear as yielding to opposition pressure, which might influence the Blue House's judgment. However, Minister Chu's ongoing conflicts with Prosecutor General Yoon pose a burden on the ruling party.

Within the ruling party, there is also a view that Minister Chu is making bold moves for 'self-politics.' Regarding the replacement of the Land Minister, there are ongoing calls inside and outside political circles to soothe the critical public opinion on real estate. The final decision on the scope and scale of the cabinet reshuffle rests with President Moon.

Replacing Ministers Chu and Kim could serve as an opportunity to alleviate some political risks but may also act as a double-edged sword by weakening the driving force behind the Moon administration's policies. This is why President Moon's dilemma over the final choice is bound to intensify.

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