The Wall Street Journal-20080117-Korean President Proposes Overhaul
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Korean President Proposes Overhaul
SEOUL, South Korea -- South Korea's president-elect, Lee Myung-bak, proposed reorganizing the government's economic activities into two mega-agencies, one focused on finance and the other on industries.
Mr. Lee also wants to place responsibility for the relationship with North Korea in the hands of the foreign ministry. For 40 years, a separate ministry has handled it.
These are the biggest moves in a sweeping overhaul in government structure that Mr. Lee hopes will reduce turf battles, make it easier to cut regulations and eliminate redundant jobs.
Under the proposal announced yesterday, South Korea's government would be reduced to 13 ministries and two agencies from 18 ministries and four agencies. The plan will be submitted for approval to the National Assembly, where it may face opposition.
