Choo Kyung-ho: "No Further Organizational Restructuring Discussions at Transition Team... Commitment to Abolish Ministry of Gender Equality Remains Valid" (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Kim Hyemin and Bu Aeri] The Presidential Transition Committee (Transition Committee) has set the timing for government reorganization after the new administration takes office. The plan is to appoint ministers within the current government structure first, then proceed with reorganization after communication with the Democratic Party and the public.

On the morning of the 7th, Chu Kyung-ho, the Planning and Coordination Subcommittee Secretary of the Transition Committee, held a Q&A session with reporters at the Transition Committee office in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, stating, "I want to make it clear that there will be no further discussions on government reorganization within the Transition Committee."

Secretary Chu said, "The Transition Committee will not finalize or draft any plans regarding reorganization," adding, "There are various opinions from different sectors and the National Assembly, and even the ruling Democratic Party, which holds a majority, has pointed out that this issue should not be hastily resolved, so we respect that." He continued, "We intend to have thorough discussions with the Democratic Party and, even if reorganization proceeds, it must be done properly. Some question whether reorganization is necessary at all, so based on campaign promises, we will consider all possibilities and discuss this issue while listening to opinions from various sectors and the Democratic Party."

The position is to postpone not only the establishment of new ministries or the abolition of existing ones but also the transfer of detailed functions between ministries until after the new government takes office. However, regarding campaign promises such as the abolition of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, he said, "These promises are still valid," and explained, "Many people have expressed various opinions on how to incorporate this into government reorganization, so please understand that this is not an issue to be pushed through hastily but one where decisions will be made after broadly considering multiple viewpoints."

In response to concerns that even if ministers are appointed, they might only be able to prepare for the establishment of new ministries, Secretary Chu said, "If reorganization becomes too controversial during the Transition Committee period, it could undermine the momentum of managing state affairs," adding, "To reduce government confusion and calmly prepare for a stable start of the new administration, we have decided to take time with the reorganization issue." He also stated, "All possibilities remain open regarding the methods, timing, and scale of reorganization."

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