SEOUL, South Korea — President Lee Myung-bak of South Korea dismissed three ministers on Monday in a cabinet reshuffle aimed at restoring public trust in his four-month-old government which has been shaken by weeks of protests against American beef imports.
The agriculture, health and education ministers who were replaced Monday have been under fire as South Koreans rallied almost daily to protest the government’s decision in April to lift a ban on beef imported from the United States.
The initial protests, triggered by fears of mad cow disease, quickly evolved into a broader platform to express grievances against Mr. Lee’s policies on education, the economy and other issues.
“Today’s cabinet reshuffle is designed to give the government a new image and help overcome difficult internal and external situations with a new resolve,” said Lee Dong-kwan, the chief presidential spokesman.
The entire cabinet, including the prime minister, offered to resign last month as Mr. Lee’s approval ratings dipped below 20 percent.
Source: The New York Times
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