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Reluctance of potential nominees one factor cited
As the Roh Moo-hyun administration nears the end of its term, it is having trouble finding the right people to fill its major cabinet posts, which is slowing down important decision making in several areas. Recently, Kim Byong-joon stepped down as education minister amid growing disputes over alleged unethical academic practices during his time as a professor. His resignation came only 13 days after he took up the cabinet post. Following the scandal, the government has had difficulty in finding a person to fill the void left by the nation’s shortest-term minister.Referring to Kim, an official at the presidential office said on condition of anonymity, "The most plausible candidate had problems with his past research, while others have turned down the offer for the post, making things worse to choose an education minister." Indeed, the presidential office said that it is busy finding a new person for the position, but possible candidates remain reluctant to be nominated, as they fear facing the same scrutiny Kim had to undergo, the official added. Since Kim’s resignation, about three people have been contacted, but all of them rejected the offer for the post, the official noted. The administration’s stagnancy in selecting the next education minister is taking its toll on the government agency’s operation. A case in point is the indefinite delay in introducing a plan by the Presidential Commission on Educational Innovation to elect teachers to become school principals. Another delayed search involves the appointment of the head of a governmental history-related foundation amid President Roh’s insistence on dealing with Japan’s persistent distortion of its imperial era, though the presidential office says that it is doing its best to fill the void as soon as possible.
