By Kim Se-jeong
As the transition team is tight-lipped on its work in progress, speculation is mounting on what President-elect Park Geun-hye has in mind for the structure of the new government and nominees for her first Cabinet.
She has very little time to entertain these thoughts with her inauguration six weeks away and her nominees still have to be confirmed. The final lineup is anticipated to be revealed later this week and Park’s pick for prime minister announced next week.
Transition team spokesman Park Sun-kyoo told journalists that Park is taking the process seriously, allowing herself ample time to make her nomination for prime minister.
“She is open to recommendations and is examining their qualifications through different channels,” he said.
She has a lot to take into account. Some speculate that the nominee will be from the Jeolla Province in an attempt to embrace the polarized region.
The majority of voters in those areas opted for liberal candidate Moon Jae-in in the Dec. 19 presidential election. Many names haves been mentioned so far.
When it comes to how the new Cabinet will look, speculation has been consistent.
The creation of a ministry dealing with science has been confirmed. The idea was on many people’s lips given that Park has a background in engineering and it was one of her election pledges. The name is likely to be the Ministry of Creativity and Science.
There’s a possibility there will be two additional ministries: one dealing with maritime and fisheries affairs and another in charge of information and communication. This will make the total Cabinet ministers 18.
The Small and Medium Business Administration (SMBA) is to see its status elevated.
There’s a chance that the SMBA will shift to fall under the Prime Minister’s Office.
The creation of a vice prime minister post and subsequent changes are also being mentioned.