State Council of South Korea

State Council of South Korea
Cabinet name	State Council of South Korea
Nativename	국무회의
Caption	Emblem of the Government of South Korea
Date formed	1948
State	Republic of Korea
Leader title	President
Appointed	President of South Korea
Members	Prime Minister and Ministers
Responsible	National Assembly
Url	[https://www.gov.kr/ Official website]

State Council of South Korea. The State Council of South Korea is the highest executive and administrative council of the Government of South Korea, functioning as the cabinet under the President of South Korea. It is composed of the President, the Prime Minister, and other Ministers as prescribed by law, and is responsible for deliberating on major state policies. Its establishment and powers are defined by the Constitution of South Korea, and it operates as a key institution in the nation's presidential system.

History

The State Council was first established with the promulgation of the Constitution of South Korea in 1948 under the First Republic of Korea. Its structure and role have evolved through subsequent constitutional amendments, particularly during the Third and Fifth Republics, which altered the balance of power between the presidency and the cabinet. Significant reforms followed the June Democracy Movement and the subsequent Constitutional Court rulings, which clarified its advisory and deliberative functions within the Government of South Korea.

Composition and appointment

The State Council is chaired by the President of South Korea and includes the Prime Minister of South Korea as its vice-chairperson. Other members include the heads of executive ministries, such as the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of National Defense, as stipulated by the Government Organization Act. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President with the consent of the National Assembly, while ministers are appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

Functions and powers

The Council's primary function is to deliberate on major policies of the state, including matters submitted by the President of South Korea, the Prime Minister of South Korea, or any Minister. Its powers include deliberating on drafts of treaties, budgets, and important executive orders, as well as matters pertaining to the declaration of a state of emergency. It also reviews appointments of key public officials, such as the Prosecutor General and ambassadors, and coordinates policies between different ministries like the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Unification.

Meetings and decision-making

Meetings of the State Council are convened and presided over by the President of South Korea, or by the Prime Minister of South Korea in the President's absence. A quorum requires a majority of members, and decisions are made by consensus or majority vote, though the President holds ultimate authority. The Office of the President and the Prime Minister's Office handle the preparation of agendas, which often include reports from bodies like the Financial Services Commission or the Fair Trade Commission.

Relationship with other government bodies

The State Council operates within a system of checks and balances with other branches of government. It is accountable to the National Assembly, which can pass a motion for the removal of the Prime Minister. Its decisions can be subject to constitutional review by the Constitutional Court of Korea. The Council also coordinates with independent agencies like the Board of Audit and Inspection and the National Intelligence Service, and implements policies that are often scrutinized by the Supreme Court of Korea.

List of State Councils

The composition of the State Council changes with each presidential administration. Notable councils have been formed under presidents such as Syngman Rhee during the First Republic of Korea, Park Chung-hee during the Third and Fourth Republics, and Kim Dae-jung during the Government of Kim Dae-jung. The council under Moon Jae-in included ministers from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, while the current council under Yoon Suk Yeol has seen appointments to the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Category:Government of South Korea Category:Cabinets established in 1948