South Korean President Kim Dae-jung replaced the prime minister and six other ministerial posts on Thursday in the run-up to a presidential election in December, the chief presidential secretary said.
"The reshuffle is designed to reinforce the cabinet for stable management of state affairs," Park Jie-won said in a televised press conference.
The anticipated move is seen as an effort to reinforce Kim's administration with the presidential election five months away.
The reshuffle includes new defence, information and telecommunications, culture and tourism and justice ministers.
(China Daily July 11, 2002)
