President Moon's Partial Senior Secretary Personnel Changes, Appointed as of the 11th... Reserved Comments on Possibility of Blue House Chief of Staff Appointment
[Asia Economy reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Son Seon-hee] Choi Jae-sung, a former lawmaker, has been appointed as the new Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House. Kim Jong-ho, Secretary General of the Board of Audit and Inspection, has been appointed as the new Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs. Kim Je-nam, Climate and Environment Secretary at the Blue House, has been appointed as the new Senior Secretary for Civil Society.
Kang Min-seok, spokesperson for the Blue House, stated during a briefing at the Press Center on the afternoon of the 10th, "President Moon Jae-in has appointed former National Assembly member Choi Jae-sung as Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, Kim Jong-ho, Secretary General of the Board of Audit and Inspection, as Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, and Kim Je-nam, Climate and Environment Secretary, as Senior Secretary for Civil Society," adding, "They are scheduled to be officially appointed on the 11th."
A key Blue House official, when asked about the possibility of additional personnel changes including Chief of Staff to the President Noh Young-min, said, "What I can share today is only what has been announced," and requested understanding by stating, "Future personnel matters pertain to the President's authority over appointments, so it is difficult to provide answers on that."
Spokesperson Kang evaluated, "Choi Jae-sung, the new Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, entered politics through civic activism and has held key positions within the ruling party such as party spokesperson and secretary general. He is a four-term lawmaker. He is recognized not only for his political capabilities but also for his exceptional drive and planning skills. He is the right person to contribute to the smooth advancement of government tasks, bipartisan cooperation, and national unity based on active communication with the opposition."
Spokesperson Kang said, "Kim Jong-ho, the new Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, is not only an audit expert who has held key positions at the Board of Audit and Inspection but also laid the foundation for personnel verification while serving as the inaugural Public Service Ethics Secretary during the Moon Jae-in administration."
Kang added, "He is highly regarded for his deep understanding of the Moon Jae-in administration's governance philosophy. While emphasizing principles, he has also handled tasks rationally with communication skills and a sense of balance. We expect him to perform his duties smoothly as Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs."
Regarding Kim Je-nam, the new Senior Secretary for Civil Society, Kang said, "She has long been active in civil society, including serving as Secretary General of the Green Korea United, served as a 19th National Assembly member, and is currently serving as Climate and Environment Secretary at the Presidential Secretariat. Based on her extensive experience and broad insight gained from various fields such as civic groups, the legislature, and the executive branch, she is expected to listen to and communicate the voices of civil society and proactively mediate and resolve various social conflicts."
Meanwhile, Kang conveyed the Blue House atmosphere regarding this personnel appointment by saying, "With the longest rainy season in history and typhoons approaching, the government will devote all efforts to state affairs with an attitude of unlimited responsibility to protect the lives, safety, and property of the people, as expressed once again by President Moon."
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