Chong resigns 16 months after he assumed the post on July 17 last year following his predecessor Kang Byung-kyu, who stepped down to take responsibility for the sinking of the Sewol ferry that claimed 304 lives.

While Chong did not specify whether he would run in next April’s general elections, his candidacy to run in his hometown Gyeongju was widely speculated on even as he was named to the ministerial post. The speculation peaked when Chong made a toast during an August gathering with ruling Saenuri Party members wishing them for an election victory. The opposition demanded Chong’s immediate resignation and filed an impeachment motion against him in September for violating the neutrality of public officials as a minister overseeing the country’s elections.

“I will fulfill my responsibility without a hitch in the ministry’s work until a successor is named,” Chong said.

While saying he does not have any “detailed plans,” Chong said he would “make a prudent decision after listening to public opinion,” in response to query whether he would throw his hat into the ring for the next National Assembly.

“Even after I withdraw from my ministerial post, I am set on doing all that I can for the sake of the country’s development and the success of the Park Geun-hye government,” he said.

Chong joins a host of other members of Cheong Wa Dae and the Cabinet who have resigned with a high possibility of running in the election.

They include former Oceans and Fisheries Minister Yoo Ki-june, former Land and Transportation Minister Yoo Il-ho and Vice Transport Minister Yeo Hyung-koo. From Cheong Wa Dae, presidential spokesman Min Kyung-wook and deputy head of the presidential security service Park Jong-joon. Two presidential advisers on politics -- Yoon Sang-hyun and Kim Jae-won -- also recently stepped down.

In August, as his election law violation controversy escalated, Chong held a news conference and apologized for his toast, but refused to step down, instead vowing to ensure that his ministry would remain neutral in the elections. He denied he had plans to run for an assembly seat.

Sources and news reports said President Park is likely to replace several more members of the Cabinet this week enabling them to join the parliamentary race.

It is speculated that Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Hwang Woo-yea and Gender Equality Minister Kim Hee-jung -- both elected Saenuri Party lawmakers -- may seek another parliamentary term.

Under South Korea’s election law, civil servants planning to join the legislature are required to resign from their posts at least 90 days before joining the race.

By Yeo Jun-suk(jasonyeo@heraldcorp.com)