[Editorial] Difficult to reverse approval ratings without resolving chaotic personnel appointments

Lee Jae-myung’s government continues to face chaotic personnel appointments. The sudden resignation of Kim Yong-beom, Cheong Wa Dae Jeong Chaek (Head), following a cabinet reshuffle that included six ministries including Gyeong Je-bu (Prime Minister), is a prime example. Although there was a change in police leadership, the National Police Agency chief remains vacant, leaving the position under an acting system for 1 year and 9 months. The confusion reached its peak when Gyeong Je-bu (Prime Minister), who was on an overseas business trip, reversed his schedule upon hearing news of the personnel changes, casting uncertainty over the upcoming U.S.-South Korea finance minister meeting.

The cabinet reshuffle drew attention as it included the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, which are key ministries for real estate policy. During this process, the fate of Kim Yong-beom (Head), who led the introduction of single-stock leverage ETFs alongside related policies, also attracted focus, yet he appeared firmly in his position on the day of the reshuffle. Immediately after, concerns arose over keeping Jeong Chaek (Head) in place while promoting two current vice ministers from the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to the positions of Myeong Eul (Minister), respectively. The opposition party also raised objections. Ultimately, Director Kim resigned just two days later, effectively admitting criticism that his appointment was a makeshift measure driven by public backlash rather than a genuine commitment to shifting the national governance direction.

With the dissolution of the Prosecution Service and the abolition of investigative authority imminent, the vacancy at the head of the police force, where power is increasingly concentrated, remains unresolved. During this period, issues such as the downplaying and concealment of the Gwangju high school girl murder case by Jang Yun-ki, the false closure of the Jeju woman missing persons case, and the 11th-month delay in handling the whereabouts of independent lawmaker Kim Byeong-gi piled up. Doubts about the police force’s fairness and operational capability have surged. It is not enough to continue with apologies from acting chiefs who bowed their heads; another apology from a new acting chief to the public will not suffice.

Deputy Prime Minister Gu Yoon-cheol, who failed to receive proper notification of personnel changes, reversed his attendance at the G20 finance minister meeting, making it uncertain whether he would meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The vetting of Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Minister nominee Yong Hye-in, whose qualifications have been repeatedly questioned, was also insufficient. Even the predecessor Won Min-gyeong (Minister) did not receive proper notification of his replacement until the day of the change. This case clearly revealed problems stemming from insufficient coordination within the Presidential Office and excessive secrecy. The president emphasizes details to the extent of mentioning policies at the ministry and division levels during State Council meetings. However, the personnel appointment process was marked by negligence. There is a saying that personnel decisions send messages. If the government seeks to correct issues through cabinet reshuffles and reverse declining approval ratings, it must first address the unilateralism of the Presidential Office. Consideration should be given to broadly transferring authority to ministries, and immediate action is needed to resolve the vacancy at the head of government institutional investors.