President Lee Jaemyung has, for the first time since taking office, presented letters of appointment and commissions to the Prime Minister and key aides.
On the morning of July 4, at the presidential office in Yongsan, President Lee personally delivered letters of appointment and commissions to seven individuals: Prime Minister Kim Minseok, National Planning Committee Chairperson Lee Hanju, Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hunsik, National Security Office Director Wi Seongrak, Policy Office Director Kim Yongbeom, National Intelligence Service Director Lee Jongseok, and Government Policy Coordination Office Director Yoon Changryeol. He also presented bouquets to the spouses who attended the ceremony.
This was the first official appointment ceremony held one month after his inauguration. The presidential office described the event as highlighting the symbolic significance of the new administration's launch. A presidential office official commented, "This event clearly demonstrated to both domestic and international audiences the teamwork of the Lee Jaemyung administration, which is based on collective responsibility."
The appointments also clearly reflected President Lee's direction for state governance. In particular, the selection of former lawmaker Kim Minseok as Prime Minister is interpreted as a signal that the Lee Jaemyung administration intends to strengthen communication with the National Assembly and enhance governmental stability, centering on Prime Minister Kim, who is recognized both inside and outside the party for his political acumen and strategic thinking.
Additionally, Kang Hunsik, a former lawmaker known as a communicative politician, was appointed as Chief Presidential Secretary. Kang is regarded as a leading figure among the younger generation within the party and is known for his moderate leadership. Immediately after his appointment, Kang told reporters, "I will do my utmost to realize President Lee's commitment to communication." This is seen as consistent with President Lee's repeatedly emphasized philosophy of "communication-centered politics" since taking office.
The appointment of economic expert Lee Hanju as National Planning Committee Chairperson and former Vice Minister of Economy and Finance Kim Yongbeom as Policy Office Director is being interpreted as placing emphasis on the people's livelihood economy and practical policy implementation. Both individuals are recognized for their extensive experience as economic bureaucrats and their academic expertise. In a situation where economic stability and recovery of the people's livelihood are urgent, these appointments are seen as aiming to strengthen expertise in addressing current issues and the capacity to implement policy.
In the diplomatic and security fields, the appointments of National Security Office Director Wi Seongrak and National Intelligence Service Director Lee Jongseok reflect President Lee's consistently emphasized principle of "national interest-centered pragmatic diplomacy." Wi Seongrak, a former diplomat, is regarded as someone capable of making cool-headed judgments on diplomatic and security issues, while Lee Jongseok is expected to pursue practical North Korea policies as an expert on Korean Peninsula peace and inter-Korean relations. Yoon Changryeol, as Government Policy Coordination Office Director, is also expected to effectively coordinate government policies and smoothly manage state affairs. Yoon is recognized as an economic bureaucrat with outstanding administrative abilities, making him well-suited to operate government organizations smoothly and enhance efficiency.
Through these appointments, President Lee has presented the public with a clear blueprint for political stability based on integration and cooperation, responsible governance by talented and professional individuals, and the achievement of practical and concrete results. Now, with the Lee Jaemyung administration officially launched, it faces the task of delivering tangible policy outcomes that meet the expectations of the people.
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