South Korean President reshuffles presidential office, retains key aides

President Lee Jae-myung has initiated a significant reshuffling of his presidential office as he enters his second year in office. The shake-up includes the appointment of five new officials, notably a new senior secretary for civil affairs and a new senior secretary for public relations and communication.

However, the core leadership remains intact, with the chiefs of staff for the presidential office, policy office, and national security office retaining their posts. This indicates a strategy of maintaining stability at the highest levels while making targeted changes in key advisory roles.

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A reshuffle of the presidential office exceeding a medium level.

The appointment of Han Chan-sik, a former prosecutor from the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office, as the new senior secretary for civil affairs has sparked controversy. This decision, following the tenure of Bong Wook, has drawn criticism from within the Democratic Party's progressive base, who have voiced concerns about the continued influence of prosecutors in sensitive positions. In response, the administration has reiterated its commitment to prosecutorial reform, including the establishment of a new agency for investigating major crimes and a public prosecution office.

Other key appointments include Sung Ki-hong, former CEO of Yonhap News Agency, as the new senior secretary for public relations and communication. Kim Kyung-ja, a professor and former vice-chairperson of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, has been appointed as the senior secretary for social affairs. Kim, who has a background in pharmacy, previously co-led the movement to establish Seongnam Medical Center with President Lee and was involved in the KCTU leadership.

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We will complete prosecutorial reform without a hitch, including the establishment of a new agency for investigating major crimes and a public prosecution office.