Our top story this morning...
Despite speculation to the contrary,... Monday came and went with no announcement on the next prime minister nominee.
Looking to avoid further embarrassment after her first candidate withdrew over previous ethical lapses, President Park Geun-hye is said to be running a fine-tooth comb over the potential candidates.
Choi You-sun starts us off.
President Park is thought to be seeking a reform-minded figure with ethical integrity to be her next prime minister.

"I'm looking for a qualified person the citizens want to lead national reforms."

Nearly two weeks after her first nominee Ahn Dai-hee resigned amid controversy over privileges he received after retiring as a supreme court justice, the president has yet to announce her new pick.
It's believed the presidential office has tightened its personnel verification system.
When asked Monday if the nomination process is back to square one, spokesperson Min Kyung-wook said that the verification process could be a variable.
The announcement will likely come no later than this week since President Park is scheduled to leave for Central Asia next Monday.
To avoid a further delay in the anticipated Cabinet reshuffle, there's speculation that the nominee, before being confirmed at a hearing, could play a part in recommending a new Cabinet to the president, alongside current Prime Minister Chung Hong-won.

With the replacement of the presidential press secretary over the weekend, a reshuffle within the presidential office may be gaining momentum.
On Saturday, the spokesperson said it was not certain which senior secretaries were subject to replacement, but that a verification process was indeed underway and new names would soon be announced.
After the departure of one of the president's closest aides and former press secretary Lee Jung-hyun, observers are now focusing on whether Presidential Chief of Staff Kim Ki-chun will also step down.
Choi You-sun, Arirang News.


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