Working-Level Commander of the September 19 Inter-Korean Military Agreement Nominated as Special Advisor to NIS Director

Ye Seokju, who served as the working-level head during the signing of the September 19, 2018 inter-Korean military agreement, has reportedly been nominated as a special advisor to Lee Jongseok, the Director of the National Intelligence Service.

According to diplomatic and security authorities on July 25, Ye is currently undergoing a personnel verification process for his appointment as a special advisor to the NIS director. During the Moon Jaein administration, Ye was the working-level commander who oversaw inter-Korean negotiations and the drafting of the agreement for the 'September 19 Inter-Korean Military Agreement.' There is growing attention as it is expected that the new administration may seek to restore the September 19 Inter-Korean Military Agreement.

Regarding this, a government official explained the background of Ye's nomination as a special advisor, stating, "The appointment is not intended to be used for resuming inter-Korean dialogue or restoring relations, but rather there are high expectations that, based on his exceptional insight and ideas in the fields of defense and security, he will play a significant role in advancing the NIS's work in security investigations and counterintelligence."