Appointment of Kang Hoonshik as Chief Presidential Secretary and Wi Sungnak as Chief of National Security Office
Hwang Inkwon, Former Army General, Appointed as Chief of Presidential Security Service... Kang Yujeong Named as Spokesperson
"Selections Focused on Ability and Expertise for Immediate Start of Duties"
On June 4, President Lee Jaemyung personally announced the first appointments of the new administration, including the nominee for Prime Minister and the new Chief Presidential Secretary, at the presidential office briefing room. Kim Minseok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, was nominated as Prime Minister, while former Unification Minister Lee Jongseok was nominated as Director of the National Intelligence Service. Kang Hoonshik, a Democratic Party member, was appointed as Chief Presidential Secretary; Wi Sungnak, also a Democratic Party member, was appointed as Chief of the National Security Office; Hwang Inkwon, a former Army General, was appointed as Chief of the Presidential Security Service; and Kang Yujeong, a Democratic Party member, was appointed as Spokesperson.
President Lee stated that these appointments were made by considering both loyalty and competence, selecting individuals who not only understand his governing philosophy regarding urgent recovery of livelihoods, economic growth, national unity, and peace on the Korean Peninsula, but who can also faithfully reflect these priorities in state affairs.
Kim Minseok, Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 21st. 2025.3.21 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Regarding the nomination of the Prime Minister, President Lee explained, "Representative Kim is the right person to lead crisis management and the recovery of the people's economy, as he has extensive legislative experience, strong policy capabilities in public welfare, international sensibility, and integrative political skills." President Lee’s nomination of Representative Kim, who worked closely with him as the Senior Supreme Council Member during his tenure as party leader, reflects his intention to make the party and the National Assembly partners in governance.
Former Unification Minister Lee Jongseok is giving a lecture on the topic "Is There a Solution for Peace on the Korean Peninsula and the Development of Inter-Korean Relations?" at the "6.15 Joint Declaration 20th Anniversary Commemorative Talk Concert" hosted by the 6.15 Inter-Korean Joint Declaration 20th Anniversary Preparatory Committee, held at the Korea Christian Hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 8th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin kimhyun81@
Former Minister Lee is an expert in diplomacy, security, and unification, having served as Minister of Unification and as Standing Committee Chair of the National Security Council (NSC). Based on his experience in strengthening the National Intelligence Service's information-gathering capabilities and innovating the intelligence delivery system while leading the NSC, he is considered the right person to safeguard the national interest amid turbulent trade environments. In particular, he is expected to implement strategies to break through the stalemate in inter-Korean relations, leveraging his expertise in researching North Korean issues and executing related policies.
Representative Kang, a three-term lawmaker from South Chungcheong Province, is the first Chief Presidential Secretary born in the 1970s. The appointment of a younger Chief Secretary is intended to address pressing state affairs dynamically and swiftly. President Lee described Kang as "a strategist who oversaw the presidential campaign and an expert in economics and budgeting, who will serve as a key aide in future state affairs." Kang decided to join the new administration and contribute to its success and the recovery of livelihoods, even at the cost of giving up his stable seat, having been elected three consecutive times.
Ambassador Sung Nak Wi, former Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Russia, is being interviewed at a cafe in Seongdong-gu, Seoul on the 13th. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@
Representative Wi has served as Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs at the Korean Embassy in the United States, Director-General for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador to Russia. He was also the architect of President Lee’s diplomatic and security pledges. President Lee stated, "Based on his extensive policy experience and expertise in diplomacy and security, he will play a key role in achieving the administration’s goals of pragmatic diplomacy, advanced national defense, and a Korean Peninsula of peace and prosperity."
Hwang, the newly appointed Chief of the Presidential Security Service, is recognized for his lifelong dedication to the military, his strong sense of national duty, and his leadership characterized by inclusiveness and consideration, earning him deep respect within the military. He is considered the right person to reform the Security Service, which has faced criticism for being reduced to merely protecting the president, and to establish an open security system for the people.
Kang, selected as Spokesperson, has been by President Lee’s side as spokesperson since the primary campaign, assisting him closely throughout the election period. With a deep understanding of President Lee’s political philosophy and policies, as well as refined communication skills and political acumen, she is expected to serve as a bridge connecting the presidential office, the media, and the public.
President Lee commented on the appointments, saying, "Loyalty to the people, expertise and competence in the relevant field, and understanding of the governing philosophy were given top priority," adding, "Future appointments in the new administration will continue to be based on merit, with a focus on national unity."
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