Lee weighs Kang Hoon-sik, Jeong Seong-ho for prime minister; nomination expected this weekend

President Lee Jae Myung is weighing his chief of staff, Kang Hoon-sik, and Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho as candidates to succeed Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, sources in political circles said Friday.

The ruling party's strong showing in the June 3 local elections has given Lee's administration momentum heading into its second year, but the loss of the Seoul mayoral race has added a complicating factor, prompting the president to deliberate carefully over who is best suited to lead the government forward.

Lee is expected to name a nominee for prime minister around this weekend, according to political sources. Kim is expected to submit his resignation shortly.

Kang and Jeong are considered the leading candidates. Lee recently met with each of them separately to gauge their willingness to take the post, sources said.

The two men are seen as bringing distinct strengths to the role.

Kang has served as chief of staff since the Lee administration's first day in office, functioning as one of the president's closest aides from the outset. He played a central role in helping the government quickly establish its operational footing after taking office without a presidential transition committee, following the emergency martial law crisis and the subsequent impeachment proceedings.

Beyond his role as chief of staff, Kang is regarded as a hands-on operator. As the president's special envoy for strategic economic cooperation, he has personally handled issues in defense, energy, natural resources, supply chains and advanced industries. He has recently taken a prominent role in overseas trips and economic diplomacy to advance the government's strategic projects.

Jeong, a five-term Democratic Party lawmaker before joining the cabinet, is one of Lee's longest-standing political allies and is widely regarded as the leading figure among the president's inner circle. The two were classmates in the 18th class of the Judicial Research and Training Institute and have maintained a close political partnership for nearly two decades.

Since the administration took office, Jeong has spearheaded prosecutorial reform, one of its core policy priorities. He is highly regarded for his broad network within the National Assembly and his political stature, which observers say gives him the ability to facilitate communication not only within the ruling camp but also with the opposition. Some say he is best placed to understand Lee's governing philosophy, stably coordinate work across ministries and build bipartisan cooperation.

Political observers say the final choice may hinge on whether Lee decides to push his reform agenda more aggressively in his second year — in line with the public sentiment for checks and balances that the local elections appeared to reflect — or whether he opts to prioritize stable governance and cross-party cooperation.

Speculation also persists that a cabinet reshuffle of around four ministries is in the works alongside the prime minister appointment, potentially including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Should Jeong be named prime minister, a successor at the Justice Ministry would also be part of the reshuffle.