[Revolving Door Personnel ① - The Revenge of Ability] Over Half of Yoon Government's First Cabinet Are 'Familiar Faces'... Zero in Their 30s

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] As controversies continue to arise over cabinet appointments, including Prime Minister nominee Han Deok-su and Health and Welfare Minister nominee Jeong Ho-young, criticism is mounting against President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol's talent recruitment approach, which is summarized as focusing on 'ability.' The result of the policy "Anyone with ability will be appointed" is being questioned as a 'revolving door' and the 'three-part personnel hearing set' frame.

The biggest criticism is that there is not a single minister in their 30s, despite the public promise made during the presidential campaign. President-elect Yoon had declared on Facebook and in meetings with young people that "In the digital platform government, there will probably be several ministers in their 30s." However, the first cabinet appointments of the Yoon administration hardly include ministers in their 30s or even 40s.

A key aide to the president-elect said on the 20th, "If we are talking about talents in their 30s, we should look in ventures and startups, but it was not easy," adding, "Most people in their 30s are running companies, so it is not easy to jump straight into administration without experience." While not intentionally excluding them, the focus on ability and expertise meant that no candidates in their 30s made it to the final selection. However, criticism arose even within the party that this only confirmed a narrow talent pool.

There is also criticism that the phrase 'ability-oriented' is effectively synonymous with reappointing people who were active in past administrations, a 'revolving door' personnel pattern. Among the 19 cabinet members appointed in the first Yoon government, 10 have experience working in the Blue House or ministries during the Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye administrations. While many are bureaucrats with less political color, nominees such as Han Hwa-jin for Environment, Kim Hyun-sook for Gender Equality and Family, and Jeong Hwang-geun for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs are classified as figures from past administrations who were not favored in the current government.

A People Power Party lawmaker who requested anonymity said, "It is true that there are many excellent talents, but it is hard to avoid criticism that they are biased toward one side," adding, "There will be adjustments in deputy minister appointments and so on."

Criticism also emerged that focusing only on top experts in each field led to many gaps in the vetting process. Given public sentiment, successful individuals should have been scrutinized more carefully for any aspects that do not meet public standards, especially regarding their activities, wealth accumulation, and particularly issues related to their children. Already, nominees Jeong Ho-young for Health and Welfare and Lee Sang-min for the Ministry of the Interior and Safety have been hit with allegations of preferential treatment for their children, casting a red light on their appointments.

A bigger problem is that many appointees have retired from public office, worked in private companies or interest groups, and then returned to public office. Prime Minister nominee Han Deok-su, who served as economic chief under the Kim Dae-jung administration and as prime minister under the Roh Moo-hyun administration, is a representative 'revolving door' figure who returned to public office after working at a law firm. It is typical for high-ranking officials to become advisors at law firms, especially Kim & Chang, which raises concerns about preferential treatment for former officials. There are doubts about whether they can completely sever ties with their past activities in the process of policy decision-making and implementation.

In particular, it is disappointing that the Yoon administration, which emphasizes ability, has repeated the 'revolving door' personnel pattern seen in past administrations. Historical cases show that the 'ability' they are recognized for does not necessarily lead to excellent government management. A senior government official pointed out, "The candidates' 'specs' are excellent, but since the country is not a company, the standards for ability are also important."

Political commentator Park Sang-byeong said, "Ability is subjective to evaluation, so in the end, it is no different from saying I will pick whoever I want," adding, "As the entrenched two-party politics continue, when the administration changes, there is a tendency to first satisfy internal hunger. Because the confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties is severe, rather than recruiting fresh figures from outside, the harmful practice of bringing in trusted insiders is repeated."

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