Senior Presidential Secretary Woo Sangho Steps Down... President Lee Nominates Senior Ruling Party Member Hong Ikpyo as Successor

Presidential Office Appoints New Senior Secretary for Political Affairs on the 18th
Hong Ikpyo, Three-Term Ruling Party Lawmaker, Nominated
"Known for Practicing Politics of Tolerance and Cooperation"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is embracing Hong Ik-pyo, floor leader, at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

On January 18, President Lee Jae-myung nominated Hong Ik-pyo, a senior member of the ruling party and former floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, as the new Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs.

Lee Kyuyoun, Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Relations and Communication, announced this at a press briefing at Chunchugwan on the same day, stating, "Woo Sangho, the current Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, has expressed his intention to resign for personal reasons."

Hong Ik-pyo is a three-term lawmaker from the ruling party and has previously served as floor leader and as a standing committee chair within the Democratic Party. In 2023, he worked alongside President Lee Jae-myung, who was then the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. Secretary Lee explained, "He is known for his rational and amicable personality, and during his time as a lawmaker, he consistently practiced politics of tolerance and cooperation, firmly believing that conflicts and confrontations should be resolved through compromise and consensus." Hong Ik-pyo's term will begin on the 20th.

Appearing at Chunchugwan that day, Secretary Woo said, "When I was first appointed, there were only four or five staff members, so it was very challenging to get started. However, with the help of many people, I am grateful to be able to step down smoothly," adding, "The leaders and officials of each party treated and cooperated with me well, and I consider it most rewarding that dialogue and communication continued without interruption."

He went on to tell journalists, "On one hand, you gave me a hard time, but you also helped me, so I found it rewarding," and continued, "Since this year marks the first year of Korea's great transformation, there will be many tasks and much work ahead. I ask for your help in effectively conveying the President's governing philosophy and efforts to the public."

Meanwhile, Secretary Woo is reportedly planning to run as a candidate for Governor of Gangwon Province in the upcoming local elections in June.