Science and maritime affairs ministries to be established

The presidential transition committee has announced an organizational change of the government which calls for the establishment of ministry of creativity and science and revival of ministry of maritime affairs and fisheries. As a result, the incoming government will have 17 ministries.

The organizational change also asks for creation of the post of vice prime minister who will oversee economic affairs.

In addition, the position of vice minister, who will handle information and communication technology (ICT), will be established under the minister of creativity and science, Kim Yong-joon, chairman of the transition committee, said in a news conference at the transition team's office in central Seoul on Jan. 15.

Under the new governmental system, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and the Ministry of Public Administration and Security will be renamed the ministry of industry, trade and resources, and the ministry of security and public administration, respectively.

Kim said the Ministry for Special Affairs will be dissolved.

The new governmantal structure is subject to approval of the National Assembly.

President-elect Park Geun-hye is expected to nominate her prime minister sometime next week and then select Cabinet ministers. Park is set to take office on Feb. 25.

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com