President Lee shakes up top staff, appoints prosecutor to key justice role

President Lee Jae-myung's administration is initiating a significant shake-up of its senior staff, replacing nearly half of the 11 senior secretary positions as it enters its second year. The move signals a focus on "speed and reform," aiming to regain momentum after the recent local elections and energize the execution of key national agendas.

Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik described the reshuffle as a "clear expression of our will to reform more and to whip ourselves more diligently." The changes involve five key positions, including the Senior Secretary for Justice and the Senior Secretary for Social Affairs. This "mid-level to major" personnel overhaul is seen as an effort to shift the administration's atmosphere, particularly as President Lee's approval ratings have dipped below 60%.

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It is a clear expression of our will to reform more and to whip ourselves more diligently.

A notable aspect of the reshuffle is the appointment of Han Chan-sik, a prosecutor, as the Senior Secretary for Justice. This marks the third consecutive appointment of a prosecutor to this role, following Oh Kwang-soo and Bong Wook. Han Chan-sik, who led investigations into the "environmental ministry blacklist" under the previous administration, is expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming establishment of a new agency for investigating serious crimes and a public prosecution office. However, his appointment has drawn criticism from the Justice Party, which cited his past investigative record as a concern for the second phase of prosecutorial reform.

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Given the current situation where discussions on the second phase of prosecutorial reform are imminent in the second half of the year, Han's anti-reform record is concerning.

The administration also appointed Kim Kyung-ja, a former labor activist and pharmacist, as Senior Secretary for Social Affairs. This move is intended to drive national governance with speed and efficiency. Kim Kyung-ja's background in labor movements and public health is expected to contribute to labor policy reforms, including industrial accident prevention. The administration also aims to expand communication channels by appointing Seong Ki-ho, a journalist with 30 years of experience, as Senior Secretary for Public Communication.

Personnel changes were also made within the National Security Office, with Kang Geon-wook appointed First Deputy Director and Song Ki-ho Third Deputy Director. The "economic line" of advisors remains unchanged. The administration is also expected to announce a cabinet reshuffle early next month, following the confirmation hearing for the new Prime Minister nominee.

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We have reached a consensus that more active communication capabilities are needed.