South Korean President Fires 12 in Cabinet
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SEOUL — South Korean President Kim Young Sam fired 12 Cabinet ministers Tuesday, responding to public anger over South Korea’s decision to lift its ban on rice imports from the United States and other countries.
In his first major shake-up since taking office in February, Kim replaced his agriculture minister and chief economic planning minister. But he retained most other ministers with major roles in economic policy.
He also appointed a noted conservative as national unification minister, indicating that South Korea might toughen its policy toward rival North Korea.
Two ministers were shifted to new posts in the 24-member Cabinet.
Kim already had changed the prime minister last Thursday after a wave of protests by farmers and dissidents against the government’s trade policy.
Protesters accuse Kim of caving in to U.S. pressure.
Rice, the staple food of the 44 million South Koreans, is the main income source for 6 million Korean farmers. Because of the import ban, Korean rice is about four to six times more expensive than the international average.
The appointments announced Tuesday included Lee Young Duk to head the Unification Ministry, which handles affairs with North Korea. Unlike his moderate predecessor, Han Wan Sang, Lee is known for his tough stance toward the Communist North.
The two Koreas recently suspended reconciliation talks because of North Korea’s refusal to accept international inspection of its nuclear sites.
Other key appointments:
* Chung Jai Suk, a former professor who joined the Kim administration two months ago, was named economic planning minister. He also will serve as deputy prime minister overseeing other economic officials.
* Kim Yang Bae, a senior presidential secretary for general affairs, took over as agriculture minister. His predecessor, Huh Shin Haeng, headed the South Korean delegation at the world trade talks.
* Lee Byong Tae, a retired general known as the architect of Kim’s anti-corruption campaign, replaced Kwon Young Hae as defense minister.
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