Exploring the Determinants of the Entry and Exit of Ministers in K orea: 1980–2008

The entry and exit of ministers has been of primary interest to students of political science and public management in W estern countries. Responding to the lack of research on the entry and exit of ministers in non‐ W estern countries, this article examined determinants of both the entrance and exit of ministers in K orea from the life cycle point of view based on the K orean M inisterial D atabase from 1980 to 2008. We argued that as the K orean presidency shifts from an imperialistic to a democratic presidency, ministerial appointments in K orea also seem to shift from an expertise‐focused to a politics‐focused approach. Likewise, the primary resignation reason also shifts from policy failure to political reasons. We also argued that K orean presidents use their power to reshuffle cabinet ministers too often for their political interests. As a result, K orean ministers spend too little time in post; average tenure is now down to about one year. These short terms in office dilute a minister's ability to dictate departmental policy.