korean unification studies

What does this long list of South Korean ministers responsible for unification tell you? Has there ever been a period in which the civil service has been led by a minister for unification for more than a few years? Or does it say more about the position of ‘unification minister’ and the fact that policy is driven by the presidential office? Either way, one would think that for the sole reason of policy continuity, it would be better not to change ministers so often, no?

Ministers of Unification

• Lee Jae-Jeong (Dec. 2006 - present)
• Lee Jeong-Suk (Dec. 2005 - Dec. 2006)
• Chung Dong-Young (July 2004 - Dec. 2005)
• Jeong Se-Hyun (Jan. 2002 - June 2004)
• Hong Soon-Yong (Sept. 2001 - Jan. 2002)
• Lim Dong-Won (March 2001 - Sept. 2001)
• Park Jae-Kyu (Dec. 1999 - March 2001)
• Lim Dong-Won (May 1999 - Dec. 1999)
• Kang In-Duk (March 1998 - May 1999)

Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers of National Unification

• Kwon Ok-Kie (Dec. 1995 - March 1998)
• Rha Woong-Bae (Feb. 1995 - Dec. 1995)
• Kim Deok (Dec. 1994 - Feb. 1995)
• Lee Hong-Koo (April 1994 - Dec. 1994)
• Lee Yung-Duk (Dec. 1993 - April 1994)
• Han Wang-Sang (Feb. 1993 - Dec. 1993)
• Choi Young-Choul (June 1992 - Feb. 1993)
• Choi Ho-Joong (Dec. 1990 - June 1992)

Ministers of National Unification Board

• Hong Sung-Chul (March 1990 - Dec. 1990)
• Kee Hong-Koo (Feb. 1988 - March 1990)
• Huh Moon-Doh (Aug. 1986 - Feb. 1998)
• Park Tong-Jin (Aug. 1985 - Aug. 1986)
• Lee Se-Ki (Feb. 1985 - July 1985)
• Sohn Jae-Shik (Jan. 1982 - Feb. 1985)
• Lee Bum-Suk (Sept. 1980 - Jan. 1982)
• Choi Wan-Bok (May 1980 - Sept. 1980)
• Rhee Kyu-Ho (Dec. 1979 - May 1980)
• Lee Yong-Hee (Dec. 1976 - Dec. 1979)
• You Sanguine (Aug. 1975 - Dec. 1976)
• Shin Doh-Sung (Sept. 1974 - Aug. 1975)
• Kim Yeong-Shik (Dec. 1973 - Sept. 1974)
• Kim Yong-Son (March 1970 - Dec. 1973)
• Shin Tae-Hwan (Feb. 1969 - March 1970)

Source: Yonhap News Agency, Korea Annual 2004, Seoul, August 2004, p337.