Minister Song Mi-ryung's Reappointment and President Lee Jae-myung's Personnel Philosophy - The Criteria for Pragmatic Appointments

Introduction: The Demands of the Era and the President's Personnel Standards

The political environment of South Korea has always operated within a fierce factional logic. Whenever a regime changes, key positions are usually replaced with 'my people,' often sacrificing the continuity of governance and practical capabilities in the process. This structure hinders the efficiency of politics and only increases the fatigue of the public. In this context, the decision made by President Lee Jae-myung in June 2025 to keep Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryeong is significant beyond a mere personnel appointment. The president's statement that 'if someone has ability, they can be given a chance even if they belong to a different faction' can be seen as a declaration of a pragmatic appointment philosophy that transcends the chronic factional landscape of Korean politics. This essay aims to explore the significance and limitations of pragmatic appointments through the principles of President Lee Jae-myung's personnel decisions, the context of Minister Song's retention, and the social responses to it.

1. Background of the Decision to Retain Minister Song Mi-ryeong

Minister Song Mi-ryung was appointed during the Yoon Seok-yeol administration in 2022 and was one of the key ministers of the previous administration. She had practical leadership in the execution and direction of agricultural policy, and was a figure clearly connected to the former administration. It is rare in Korean political reality for such a figure to remain in office after a change of government. President Lee Jae-myung mentioned during a dinner with the new leadership of the Democratic Party on June 23, 2025, that "regardless of differing camps, if there are abilities, opportunities can be provided," explaining the background of Minister Song's retention. The Presidential Office and the Secretary's Office also referenced 'pragmatism' and 'capacity-centered personnel' regarding this decision. In particular, the President cited Song’s practical approach and active expression of opinions in the Cabinet Meeting as major reasons for her retention. This case is evaluated as an example of a new personnel standard that emphasizes the efficiency of government operations and the continuity of policies, moving beyond the existing "code appointments." In other words, President Lee prioritized administrative ability and policy execution capacity over the political color of the administration.

2. Signals of Pragmatism and Factional Balance in Appointments

The retention of Minister Song has become a cornerstone of the practical administration that the Lee Jae-myung government advocates. Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik stated in a media briefing that 'appointments will be judged based on performance and capability, regardless of conservative or progressive ideological distinctions.' This represents a different approach from past administrations that relied on political loyalty or personal connections for high-level appointments. Such appointments go beyond mere practicality and are also tied to the national goal of fostering public unity. A government composed only of members from a specific faction is prone to conflict and backlash, whereas appointments that encompass a political spectrum can enhance the stability of governance and spread social trust. The retention of Minister Song can be seen as the first case to experiment with this possibility. Furthermore, President Lee Jae-myung's statement that 'I will become a president whose approval rating is higher at the end of the term than at the beginning' emphasizes a results-oriented philosophy of governance, which aligns with the emphasis on capability and performance in practical appointments.

3. Criticism and Social Reaction

However, this decision has not been unilaterally welcomed. There has been strong backlash from progressive groups and farmers' organizations. The National Farmers' Association and others have demanded the withdrawal of the decision to retain Minister Song, arguing that he is someone who should take responsibility for the failures of agricultural policy during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. Some organizations have referred to Minister Song as 'the Minister of Agricultural Mismanagement' or 'the Minister of Insurrection.' In addition to criticism of policy, issues regarding Minister Song’s personal past have also been raised. In 2023, he faced controversy over violating agricultural land laws when he transferred farmland to his children, and his attendance at a state council meeting reviewing martial law during the Park Geun-hye administration was also scrutinized. This serves as a reminder that no matter how capable an individual may be, lacking morality and trust as a public servant makes it difficult to gain public support. Minister Song himself expressed at a full meeting of the National Assembly’s Committee on Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, and Oceans that he was 'quite taken aback,' and stated, 'I will approach this with a determination to reform myself thoroughly.' This indicates that he is keenly aware of the weight of the decision to remain in office, and it can be interpreted as a commitment to substantiate this awareness through action.

Conclusion: A New Path in Personnel Management Between Practicality and Trust

The retention of Minister Song Mi-ryeong carries deeper significance than a mere personnel decision. President Lee Jae-myung has proclaimed the principles of 'capability over faction' and 'skill over loyalty,' establishing a standard for pragmatic appointments. This represents an attempt to pursue the expertise of administration and the sustainability of policies beyond traditional political appointment practices, and can be interpreted as an effort for politics to become a tool for changing lives. However, for pragmatic appointments to succeed, a single condition is insufficient. That condition is national trust. No matter how justified and effective competency-based appointments may be, they can only gain the public's trust if their criteria are consistent, fair, and morally sound. Minister Song's retention is a decision that lies at the intersection of the values of pragmatism and trust. Whether this personnel decision becomes a turning point signaling a transformation in Korean politics or remains just another controversy depends on future governance and public evaluation. A structure that allows capable individuals to continue working even when administrations change is a crucial transformation for our society. If the starting point for that change is now, we have the responsibility to closely monitor the direction and sincerity of that path.