President Kim Keeps Justice Minister in Job

Park Joon Young, spokesperson of Chong Wa Dae (the Blue House), announced on June 2 that President Kim Dae Jung has decided to keep Justice Minister Kim Tae Jong in office.
President Kim made the decision because the outcome of the prosecutors' investigation on the 'Clothes Scandal' reveals that the current Minister does not take any legal responsibility for the scandal, said the spokesperson.
Mr. Park explained that the President is loath to dismiss the Justice Minister solely under pressure of public opinion which he believes to be misplaced.
President Kim has also ordered governor of North Cholla province, Yoo Jong Kun, to step down as presidential economic advisor, said the spokesman of the Blue House, in order to devote more time to his duties as a governor.
Prior to this decision, the President requested in a cabinet meeting today that the Government Administration and Home Affairs Minister prepare a proposal to improve safeguards surrounding the conduct of public officials, and report it to him in the next cabinet meeting.
He stressed that ministers should ponder over the lessons of the 'Clothes Scandal', adding that he apologizes to the nation for the involvement of wives of former and current ministers in it.

Jangsoo Seo:jsbee@joongang.co.kr