South Korean parliament passes government reorganization bill

South Korea's parliament on Friday passed the bill on government reorganization, which increases the number of ministries from 15 to 17.The bill, passed by a 188-11 vote with an abstention of 13, endorsed the inclusion of new ministries such as the Future Creation and Science Ministry and the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry along with the revival of the vice prime minister in charge of economic affairs.The Ministry of Knowledge Economy took over the trade negotiation function from the Foreign Ministry, expanding into the ministry in charge of affairs related to commerce, trade and natural resources.The passage of the bill broke the political impasse between the ruling Saenuri Party and the main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP) that lasted for nearly two months and blocked the new administration under President Park Geun-hye from normally operating since its launch on Feb. 25.The ruling party argued for the transfer of some authorities from the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) to the future creation and science ministry, which the opposition party rejected due to the possibly stronger control over the media by the government.After reaching a deal between the political parties, the authorities related to TV stations will remain in the hands of the communications watchdog rather than the newly established ministry.Following the approval of the reorganization bill, nominees for the science ministry and the maritime affairs ministry will be subject to a parliamentary confirmation hearing in the near future.