By Shim Jae-yun
Staff Reporter

Despite strong resistance from the opposition Grand National Party (GNP), President Roh Moo-hyun is determined to appoint former governor of South Kyongsang Province Kim Hyuck-kyu to the position of prime minister in a Cabinet reshuffle expected soon after the Constitutional Court delivers its ruling on the impeachment of the president, Chong Wa Dae officials said on Friday.

During a meeting with a group of party leaders at the official residence of presidential chief of staff Kim Woo-shik on Wednesday, Roh is quoted as having said there would be no particular problem with designating Kim as the new prime minister. The appointment of Kim was agreed upon during an unofficial meeting hosted by Roh for senior officials of the ruling Uri Party on the same day.

``The GNP nominated Kim for the governorship three times, so why can’t we appoint him as prime minister?’’ Roh was quoted as saying during the Wednesday night meeting.

In a briefing, Chong Wa Dae spokesman Yoon Tai-young confirmed that the Wednesday meeting included Kim and Uri Party leaders Chung Dong-young, Kim Geun-tae, Moon Hee-sang and Kim Won-ki, but he did not say what topics were discussed.

The GNP has been fiercely opposing the appointment of Kim, calling him a ``traitor’’ for his defection to the Uri Party from the GNP ahead of the April 15 general elections.

Such a move is certain to trigger a strong backlash as it runs counter to Roh’s earlier promise of harmony in politics, a promise reaffirmed by Uri Party leader Chung and GNP chairwoman Park Geun-hye during their recent meeting.

GNP acting floor leader Chung Ui-hwa criticized Roh for allegedly attempting to name Kim to the appointment. ``I think such a move would be a start to the undermining of efforts toward cooperative politics in the 17th National Assembly.’’

GNP spokeswoman Jun Yeo-ok pointed out that Roh is yet to be cleared of impeachment by the Constitutional Court, the court’s ruling being expected sometime next week.

Chong Wa Dae sources said Moon Jae-in, former senior secretary for civil affairs, will return to assist Roh despite the fact that he left the presidential office ahead of the April parliamentary polls.

Moon has been leading the defense team for Roh in connection with the unprecedented presidential impeachment and is likely to serve as legal advisor for Roh if he returns.

There has been growing speculation that Roh will reshuffle the Cabinet and the presidential office in mid-June after first appointing the new prime minister, replacing Goh Kun who has already expressed his intention to resign.

Chung Dong-young has been tipped as a likely candidate for information and communication minister while Kim Geun-tae is said to be on course to become the unification minister.

Roh is also expected to fill the post of presidential advisor for foreign affairs, vacated by Foreign Affairs-Trade Minister Ban Ki-moon, given the increasing importance of diplomatic ties with nations like the Untied States, Japan, China and Russia.

Due to the need to ensure smooth relations with opposition parties, Roh has been looking to name his secretary for political affairs, a post remaining vacant since Yoo In-tae stepped down to run in the legislative polls.

jayshim@koreatimes.co.kr