Robert Hargrove

A few days ago in this blog I talked about the difficulties President Lee of South Korea was experiencing in part due to selecting a cabinet whose backgrounds reflected an abundance of self interest vs. public service.

During my stay in Seoul I was amazed by the massive protests rallies again President Lee not only for his cabinet selections but lifting the ban on USA beef—feared to possess Mad Cow Disease (Mad Cow Disease?!!!! Huh????)

During my last nights in Seoul the crowds on the street were chanting for President Lee’s impeachment (or resignation) due to these and other issues that made him appear tone deaf in the eyes of the people.

When asked by a reporter for a Seoul newspaper what President Lee could do to get his administration back on track, I said something to the effect that his fate depends on “The Speed of Trust,” how fast he can get the Korean people to trust him again.

I suggested that a big cabinet shakeup was in order. Today looking at the NYTs, I found a fascinating quote by President Lee, “I intend to start anew.” He announced today that he was replacing 9 out of 10 senior presidential aids.

Somebody out there might be listening.