President Moon Jae-in Appoints Park Ji-won, Security Maintained Until the End... "A Cooperative and Balanced Appointment"
[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jung-min] "Including the verification period, it took more than half a month, but security was maintained." A senior Blue House official shared an interesting behind-the-scenes story on the 5th regarding the 'July 3 personnel reshuffle.' It concerns the maintenance of personnel security surrounding the announcement of Park Ji-won as the nominee for the Director of the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
The most shocking aspect when the Blue House personnel announcement was made was that Park, considered a symbol of the 'anti-Moon (anti-Moon Jae-in) faction,' was appointed as the nominee for the key position of NIS Director. Notably, Park appeared on broadcasts as a political commentator until 15 minutes before the Blue House announcement, avoiding public attention. This is why even the ruling party expressed surprise when Park was nominated as the NIS Director.
A senior Blue House official explained, "The timing when Park was finalized as the NIS Director nominee was after the June 17 luncheon with senior figures on inter-Korean relations (with President Moon)." Although there was no direct connection between the luncheon and Park’s nomination, the timing was mid-June.
According to the Blue House, Park was recommended as a suitable candidate not only for the NIS Director but also for positions such as Minister of Unification and Director of the National Security Office at the Blue House. President Moon’s decision to promote Park reflected expectations regarding his philosophy on inter-Korean relations, extensive knowledge, and capabilities, but it was also politically strategic.
By appointing a symbolic figure of the 'anti-Moon' faction, the administration could project an image of political reconciliation. It is widely believed that nominating Park, a three-term lawmaker with extensive connections across both ruling and opposition parties, was also considered because of his relatively high chances of passing the parliamentary confirmation hearing.
Park’s background as a former Chief of Staff to the President during the Kim Dae-jung administration and his ability to convey friendly messages to the North are also cited as reasons behind his selection. Born in 1942, Park will be 80 years old by Korean age next year, making him quite senior. It is expected that he will conclude his public service career as part of President Moon’s close circle.
On the 6th, Yoon Gun-young, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, appeared on MBC Radio’s 'Kim Jong-bae’s Focus' and described Park’s nomination as "the ultimate form of cooperative and balanced personnel appointment." Yoon said, "Nominating a representative figure from the anti-Moon faction, with little room for improving relations, shows the intention not to let the NIS remain an intelligence agency for power. The message sent to North Korea and our society is very significant."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
