The reshuffle made by Lee Myung Bak on May 6 is nothing but a farce to escape criticism as it was quite contrary to what was called for by the people through the April 27 by-election, the editorial said.

Those ministers who must be ousted according to the will of the people stay in their offices, it said, adding that an example of this is Hyon In Thaek, minister of Unification.

It went on:

Hyon's resignation brooks no further delay as he brought the inter-Korean relations to collapse while talking about "north's collapse," it noted.

Lee Myung Bak let Won Se Hun stay in office as director of the Intelligence Service. This indicates that he is keen to strengthen the dictatorial system with his confidants around him in a bid to maintain his power in the closing years of his office.