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๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Elections & Politics

Former Lawmaker Kang Chang-il Appointed Senior Deputy Chairman of NCPU; Professor Kim Gwi-ok Named Standing Member of TRC

From Hankyoreh · (7h ago) Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Kang Chang-il, a former lawmaker, has been appointed as the Senior Deputy Chairman of the National Council for Peaceful Unification (NCPU).
  • Kim Gwi-ok, a professor, has been appointed as a standing member of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
  • New appointments were also made to the National Council on Climate Crisis Response and the Presidential Committee on Aging Society and Population.

President Lee Jae-myung has made key appointments to significant governmental bodies, signaling a focus on national unity, historical reconciliation, and addressing pressing societal challenges. The appointment of Kang Chang-il, a four-term former National Assembly member, as Senior Deputy Chairman of the National Council for Peaceful Unification (NCPU) is particularly noteworthy.

Former lawmaker Kang Chang-il is a national elder who has pursued peace and cooperation across party lines, based on a deep understanding of modern history.

โ€” Lee Gyu-yeonBlue House Spokesperson, explaining the rationale behind Kang Chang-il's appointment as Senior Deputy Chairman of the NCPU.

Kang Chang-il is recognized for his deep understanding of modern Korean history and his non-partisan approach to promoting peace and cooperation. His extensive diplomatic experience, including serving as chairman of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians' Union and as ambassador to Japan, positions him well to contribute to unification discourse and foster a sense of national integration.

Further strengthening the administration's commitment to historical justice, Professor Kim Gwi-ok has been appointed as a standing member of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). As a respected historical sociologist and former president of the Oral History Association of Korea, Professor Kim brings a wealth of experience in investigating civilian casualties during the Korean War, the issue of separated families, and state violence against vulnerable populations.

He is a suitable candidate to lead the value of integration by incorporating his diplomatic experience gained through roles such as chairman of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians' Union and ambassador to Japan into unification discourse.

โ€” Lee Gyu-yeonBlue House Spokesperson, elaborating on Kang Chang-il's qualifications for the NCPU role.

In response to the escalating climate crisis, Lee Chang-hoon, a distinguished professor from Seoul National University, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the National Council on Climate Crisis Response. His expertise in environmental policy and energy is expected to drive a significant shift in national crisis management strategies towards a sustainable climate and energy future.

Professor Kim is a suitable candidate for uncovering the truth of past events, having investigated the reality of civilian sacrifices before and after the Korean War, the issue of separated families, and state violence against the weak.

โ€” Lee Gyu-yeonBlue House Spokesperson, describing Kim Gwi-ok's qualifications for the TRC.

These appointments reflect a deliberate effort to bring seasoned individuals with relevant expertise to lead critical national initiatives. From fostering inter-Korean relations to confronting historical truths and tackling the climate crisis, the administration appears poised to address complex issues with a focus on national consensus and expert-driven solutions. The inclusion of figures like former CBS president Kim Jin-ho as Vice Chairman of the Committee on Aging Society and Population further underscores a comprehensive approach to societal well-being.

He is an expert who will lead a major transformation in national crisis policy encompassing climate and energy society.

โ€” Lee Gyu-yeonBlue House Spokesperson, describing Lee Chang-hoon's suitability for the climate crisis committee.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.