The Prime Minister’s Office carried out a major reshuffle on Wednesday that saw five of its top officials removed from office.

“The reshuffle was carried out based on the strict assessment of their performances, and by applying a personnel selection (method based on) professionalism and capability while maintaining the stability of the organization,” the PMO said.

The measure, which takes effect on Thursday, follows less than two weeks after 10 top officials submitted their resignations on Dec. 30.

At the time, the officials said the move was aimed at allowing Prime Minister Chung Hong-won to better perform his duties.

Of the 10 resignations, five were processed.

Of the remainder, four will continue to serve in their original posts, while the official in charge of social affairs has been put in charge of economic issues.

The four posts that will be continued to be held by the original officials are the heads of Sejong City development, political affairs, civil affairs and the national agenda department.

The five now-vacant posts are those for overseeing assessment of government operations, regulations, economic affairs and taxes.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)