“President Park Geun-hye has decided to carry out a reshuffle of the prime minister’s office and the ministry of public safety and security,” said presidential spokesperson Jung Youn-kuk in an emergency announcement.

The incoming prime minister, who requires parliamentary approval to take office, was selected for his academic insight and state affairs experience, Cheong Wa Dae said, adding that it expected him to overcome the current challenges and lead the Cabinet in a way that meets the people’s calls for reform.

Former Gender Equality Vice Minister Park Seung-joo was named as minister of public safety and security, based on the recommendation of Prime Minister nominee Kim.

The announcement came three days after Park decided to send away most of her closest assistants in a gesture of reform following the Choi Soon-sil scandal.

Former senior prosecutor Choi Jai-kyeong was named as new senior presidential secretary for civil affairs and former parliamentary spokesperson Bae Sung-rye as chief of public relations.

Meanwhile, the positions of presidential chief of staff and two senior presidential secretaries, yet remain vacant.

By Bae Hyun-jung (tellme@heraldcorp.com)