By Shim Jae-yun
Staff Reporter

President Roh Moo-hyun will likely appoint former South Kyongsang Province governor Kim Hyuck-kyu as his new prime minister next week, despite strong resistance within the National Assembly, Chong Wa Dae officials said on Tuesday. Kim’s appointment will be followed by a Cabinet reshuffle later next month, affecting three portfolios.

``President Roh is set to name Kim as the next premier early next month when the 17th National Assembly kicks off,’’ an official said.

During the Cabinet meeting at the presidential office, Roh accepted the resignation tendered by outgoing Prime Minister Goh Kun, who refused Roh’s request to pass on recommendations for new ministers, so as to spare his successor trouble with the opposition parties.

Roh’s plan is expected to face a serious challenge from the opposition Grand National Party (GNP) as well as some members of his own Uri Party, when the National Assembly holds hearings to approve Kim’s appointment. Kim deserted the GNP to join the Uri Party just ahead of the general elections on April 15, and the conservative opposition party views him as a traitor.

After Roh puts Kim’s name forward, the Assembly will conduct hearings on the prime minister-designate. Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hun-jai is now serving as acting prime minister until the approval is given.

During the Cabinet meeting, Roh said his looming Cabinet shuffle will affect three ministries and take place in late June, rebuffing speculation the shakeup would be expanded to affect vice ministers.

Goh, who has been at odds with the president over the reshuffle, attended the Cabinet meeting to deliver a farewell statement. Roh and other participants showed him off with a standing ovation.

``It was very worthwhile for me to serve as the first premier of the participatory government,’’ Goh said.

Roh and Goh had a breakfast meeting prior to the Cabinet where Goh expressed regret over his refusal to pass on recommendations for the Cabinet appointments.

Former Uri Party chairman Chong Dong-young is expected to be named new unification minister, while former Uri Party floor leader Kim Geun-tae is likely to become health and welfare minister.

jayshim@koreatimes.co.kr