South Korea's embattled president Lee Myung-bak replaced all his top aides today in a bid to make a fresh start after policy blunders sparked massive street protests against his four-month-old government.
In a widely expected shake-up of the presidential office, Mr Lee sacked his chief of staff and six other senior secretaries who were largely academics and replaced them with seasoned bureaucrats and politicians.
A lot will depend on how the final results of the beef talks turn out Political commentator, Yu Chang-seon
"The appointments strike a balance of tested ethical standards and professionalism that will meet the expectations of the public," the presidential Blue House said in a statement.
The South Korean leader, who has gone from posting the biggest margin of victory in an open election in the country to becoming its least popular new leader after just months, due partly to anger at his US beef import deal, is also expected to soon replace three or more cabinet ministers.
Political commentator Yu Chang-seon said Lee may have quieted public criticism with his apology to South Koreans yesterday and the shake-up of his inner circle but street protests could again flare up.
"A lot will depend on how the final results of the beef talks turn out," Mr Yu said. The results could come tomorrow, officials said.