[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] As President Moon Jae-in has made personnel appointments at the ministerial and vice-ministerial levels, including the new Financial Services Commission chairman, the Blue House stated regarding the still-vacant position of the Board of Audit and Inspection chairman that they are "considering various options to appoint a suitable candidate with competence and integrity."
A Blue House official responded to reporters' questions on the 5th, saying, "We are considering various options to appoint a suitable candidate who possesses the work competence and integrity that align with the role and functions of the Board of Audit and Inspection as a constitutional institution."
On the same day, President Moon nominated Ko Seung-beom, a member of the Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Committee, as the new Financial Services Commission chairman, and Song Doo-hwan, the representative lawyer of the law firm Hangyeol, as the candidate for the Human Rights Commission chairman. However, the vacant position of the Board of Audit and Inspection chairman was not filled. Regarding this, the Blue House said, "Please understand that it is difficult to comment as this pertains to the president's personnel authority."
When asked why Eun Sung-soo, the Financial Services Commission chairman who was not vacant, was also replaced at the end of the administration, a Blue House official said, "I understand that Chairman Eun voluntarily expressed his intention to resign first," adding, "Since retiring as Director of International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Strategy and Finance in October 2014, Chairman Eun has continuously performed his duties without rest, serving as a World Bank director, CEO of Korea Investment Corporation, president of the Export-Import Bank of Korea, and currently as the Financial Services Commission chairman."
Regarding the possibility of an additional nomination for the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, the official said, "Now is the time to wrap up national achievements" and added, "I believe the current minister will perform that role well." Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Moon Sung-hyuk has been in office for over two years, but has continued to serve as minister since candidate Park Jun-young resigned in May due to integrity issues.
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