Lee Cheol-hee, who left saying "Pathetic politics is shameful," returns as Blue House Senior Secretary for Political Affairs

Lee Cheol-hee, the newly appointed Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House, delivering a greeting.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] Lee Cheol-hee, the newly appointed Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House, stated, "I will be an aide who carefully understands the public sentiment revealed in the April 7 by-elections, speaks up when necessary, and says no (NO) to things that are not right."

At the personnel announcement briefing on the 16th, Lee said, "No matter how much I think about it, my experience and drive do not match those of my predecessor Choi Jae-sung, so I lack confidence," but added, "I will be a devoted aide." He also emphasized, "My role is to present slightly different ideas and various options for President Moon Jae-in to thoroughly review and make good decisions."

Lee has raised his public profile through his political commentary activities, appearing on JTBC's 'Ssulzun' and other programs with candid political statements. He first entered the National Assembly as number 8 on the proportional representation list after being personally recruited by President Moon, who was then the leader of the Democratic Party during the 2016 20th general election.

However, Lee is also classified as a so-called non-Moon (非文) figure. In November 2018, during a Blue House audit, he criticized then-Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok, saying, "I hope the Blue House carefully examines what the real issues are." Ahead of the 21st general election, he declared he would not run, stating, "I am very ashamed because of the pathetic state of politics." Additionally, unlike other pro-Moon (親文) figures, Lee raised concerns about the so-called 'Cho Kuk incident,' attributing it to "the responsibility of the entire political sphere" rather than attacking the prosecution.

Because of this, the political community broadly interprets his appointment as an expression of the ruling party and political sphere's intention to reform. A ruling party official said, "It seems to be a result reflecting criticism that the Blue House has not accurately read public sentiment." The official also hinted, "We expect that Lee Cheol-hee, who has emphasized his convictions throughout his political career, will bring a fresh breeze to the Blue House."