Democratic Party welcomes cabinet reshuffle as symbol of 'progressive reform solidarity'

Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok on Sunday welcomed President Lee Jae Myung's cabinet reshuffle launching the administration's second phase, saying it symbolizes "competence, youth and the strengthening of progressive-reform solidarity."

Kim said in posts on Facebook and X, formerly Twitter, that the reshuffle "fully aligns with the party's platform of expanding its focus on livelihoods and pragmatism."

He added that the party would verify nominees' expertise through confirmation hearings and work with renewed determination alongside the new cabinet to achieve policy stability and success through stronger party-government cooperation.

Kim made similar remarks Sunday afternoon at the opening of lawmaker Kim Yun's constituency office in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, saying the reshuffle has three defining characteristics — youth, expertise and the strengthening of reform-progressive solidarity. "Put together, it fits perfectly with our party's direction of expanding its livelihood-focused, pragmatic approach," he said.

Democratic Party spokesperson Lee Yong-woo said at a briefing at the National Assembly that the appointments represent "a practical, merit-based selection that places talented individuals with expertise, hands-on experience and the ability to get things done in the right positions."

"We expect the right people in each field — from the economy, housing and innovation-driven growth to national defense, judicial reform and gender equality — to breathe new energy into state affairs," Lee said.

Speaking with reporters after the briefing, Lee said the nomination of lawmaker Kim Seung-won as justice minister candidate — the most closely watched pick — was "the optimal choice," citing Kim's track record and policy positions.

Lee said it was "deeply regrettable" that the People Power Party was attempting to tarnish the nomination by raising issues such as the withdrawal of indictments and invoking the "Daejang-dong case defense," adding that such claims do not reflect the facts.

On the nominations of Rebuilding Korea Party lawmaker Lee Hae-min as presidential AI and future planning secretary and Basic Income Party floor leader Yong Hye-in as minister of gender equality candidate, Lee said the picks show "that anyone with ability can be appointed to an important post, regardless of party affiliation."