President Moon's 'Bold' Appointment of Park Ji-won as NIS Director...Unification Minister as Expected, Lee In-young (Summary)

Director Seo Hoon of the National Intelligence Service appointed as Presidential National Security Office Chief... Im Jong-seok and Chung Eui-yong assigned as 'vetted resources' Special Advisors for Foreign Affairs and Security

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] President Moon Jae-in's nomination of former Minsaeng Party lawmaker Park Ji-won as the candidate for Director of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) is a groundbreaking appointment. He has reappointed a figure who served as a minister during the People's Government 20 years ago. As expected, Lee In-young, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (former floor leader), was nominated as the Minister of Unification. Seo Hun, the Director of the NIS, was appointed as the Presidential National Security Office Chief.

The announcement of personnel changes at the Blue House was made abruptly at 3 p.m. on the 3rd. Speculation about changes in the security line had been ongoing, and various reports about the NIS director had been circulating in the media until that day, making this the moment when President Moon's intentions were revealed. Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok announced the personnel changes related to key positions such as the NIS Director, Minister of Unification, and National Security Office Chief, and concluded without a separate Q&A session.

Former Presidential Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok, who attracted attention, was assigned the role of Special Advisor for Foreign Affairs and Security. National Security Office Chief Chung Eui-yong also continued to assist President Moon as a Special Advisor for Foreign Affairs and Security.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The focus of the personnel changes was the Park Ji-won card for the NIS Director. Park Ji-won, born in 1942, was entrusted with a major responsibility at the advanced age of 78. After losing in the 21st general election in the Mokpo constituency of Jeollanam-do, he continued his career as a broadcaster. It is also noteworthy that President Moon appointed Park Ji-won, who was his competitor during the Democratic Party leadership race, after becoming president.

This was based on trust in Park Ji-won's capabilities. In particular, his extensive knowledge and experience regarding Korean Peninsula issues were highly evaluated. Spokesperson Kang said, "As a politician with four terms as a member of the National Assembly, his messages are concise and clear, and his ability to assess intelligence situations is excellent," adding, "He is well-versed in NIS affairs through his activities in the National Assembly Intelligence Committee."

His contribution to facilitating the 2000 inter-Korean summit agreement and his advisory role on inter-Korean issues were also highly praised.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lee In-young, who has proven his breakthrough capabilities, was nominated as the Minister of Unification as expected. Lee In-young, as the Democratic Party floor leader, skillfully resolved difficult parliamentary issues and led the party to a great victory in the 21st general election.

Spokesperson Kang said, "During his tenure as a member of the National Assembly, he was recognized for his reformist spirit, outstanding planning ability, and strong execution skills," adding, "He is the right person to creatively and proactively resolve the deadlocked inter-Korean relations and to steadily advance national tasks such as inter-Korean reconciliation, cooperation, and denuclearization."

The appointment of Seo Hun as the National Security Office Chief was also an expected outcome. He received high evaluations for implementing President Moon's state philosophy as the NIS Director. Seo Hun was the top candidate mentioned for replacing Chung Eui-yong as National Security Office Chief.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Spokesperson Kang said, "He is a lifelong national security expert from the NIS who has devoted himself to national security," adding, "Based on his deep understanding of the state philosophy, he is expected to achieve national goals such as strong security and leading international cooperation, producing tangible results that the public can feel."

There were also speculations about appointing former Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok as NIS Director, but he was assigned the role of Special Advisor for Foreign Affairs and Security. This role was given to allow him to assist President Moon immediately without the burden of a parliamentary confirmation hearing.

Considering his advanced age and long tenure at the Blue House, it was anticipated that National Security Office Chief Chung Eui-yong would be replaced. Instead of returning to private life, Chung will assist President Moon as a Special Advisor for Foreign Affairs and Security.

Spokesperson Kang stated, "The National Security Office Chief and Special Advisors for Foreign Affairs and Security will be appointed as early as the 6th." Park Ji-won and Lee In-young are expected to go through the parliamentary confirmation hearings before their appointments proceed.