S. Korean Premier Quits in Uproar Over Rice Imports

Prime Minister Hwang In Sung was forced to resign today to allay public anger over South Korea’s decision to open its rice market, a presidential spokesman said.

President Kim Young Sam accepted Hwang’s resignation amid widespread criticism of the decision to open the nation’s rice market as a compromise in talks for a world trade agreement.

Kim named Lee Hoi Chang, head of the Board of Audit and Inspection, as his new prime minister, a spokesman said. Lee is the nation’s chief anti-corruption official.

“This . . . is for the nation to make a new start after the successful negotiation on the Uruguay Round,” a presidential spokesman said, referring to the global accord reached by the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

Presidential officials indicated that other Cabinet ministers are also expected to be replaced.

Last week, Kim apologized for breaking a campaign promise to protect South Korea’s rice market from imports. Farmers and students have demonstrated daily since then, saying the entry of foreign rice will destroy South Korean farmers’ livelihoods.

Rice, South Korea’s staple food, is the main source of income for 6 million farmers. The price of South Korean rice is about four to six times higher than the international average.

Hwang said the plan calls for South Korea to open 1% of its rice market, worth $25 million, in 1995, and gradually increase imports to 4% by 2004.