Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Park Soo-hyun announces the appointment of seven high-rankling administration officials, at the Chunchugwan press center at Cheong Wa Dae on June 6. The photo shows spokesperson Park during a briefing on June 5. (Jeon Han)
By Yoon Sojung
President Moon Jae-in has appointed six vice ministers and one presidential secretary for the economy.
Cheong Wa Dae Spokesperson Park Soo-hyun told journalists during a briefing at the Chunchugwan press center at Cheong Wa Dae on June 6 that, “Kim Yong-soo, senior researcher at the Korea Communications Commission, was appointed to be the second vice minister of science, ICT and future planning. Suh Choo-suk, a researcher at the Korea Institute for Defense Analysis, was appointed to be vice minister of national defense.”
The presidential spokesperson said that Dongguk University Professor Na Jong-min was appointed as the first vice minister of culture, sports and tourism, and that Ryu Hee-in, a professor at the Sejong Graduate School of National Policy at Chungbuk National University, was appointed to be the vice minister of public safety and security.
Spokesperson Park also said that the incumbent first vice minister for foreign affairs, Lim Sung-nam will remain at his post, while Professor Kim Hyun-chul from the Graduate School of International Studies at Seoul National University has been appointed as the presidential secretary for the economy.
The spokesperson said that with these appointments of vice minister at three ministries — the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning and the Ministry of Health and Welfare — and with the current vice minister of foreign affairs staying in his job, President Moon has proven his determination to manage state affairs in a stable manner.
Regarding the vice minister of national defense, spokesperson Park said, “He is an expert in security matters, backed by theory and work experience.”
“Seo is the most appropriate person to strongly carry out reform in the national defense sector,” said the spokesperson.
Regarding the newly appointed vice minister of public safety and security, spokesperson Park said, “Ryu is a specialist in the safety sector and has experiences shaping, establishing and managing national crisis management systems.” Ryu has previously served as the head of the crisis management center at the National Security Council, has been presidential secretary for crisis management, and has been a non-permanent member of the Special Investigation Committee into the sinking of the Sewol ferry.
In regard to the first vice minister of culture, sports and tourism, spokesperson Park said, “Professor Na is an official well-aware of tourism, culture and the arts, and he has the driving force to proceed in his job and has the capability to properly communicate.”
Regarding the second vice minister of science, ICT and future planning, spokesperson Park said, “Kim is a high-profile official specialized in the IT sector, full of experience and expertise.”
Spokesperson Park introduced the newly appointed presidential secretary for the economy by saying that he is “a scholar who has been steadily researching survival strategies in the era of low growth, which the Korean economy faces.”
“Professor Kim’s abundant understanding of the global economic environment, including Japan, was one of the key factors for this appointment,” said the spokesperson.
The newly appointed vice ministers will begin their term as soon as they are officially appointment without having to go through any hearing process.
arete@korea.kr
