President Lee Jae Myung has named former Democratic Party lawmaker Hong Ik-pyo as his new secretary for political affairs, Cheong Wa Dae announced on January 18. Hong will assume the role on Tuesday, replacing Woo Sang-ho. The appointment follows Woo's resignation amid preparations for the June local elections.
On January 18, President Lee Jae Myung appointed former Democratic Party lawmaker Hong Ik-pyo as his new secretary for political affairs in Seoul. Cheong Wa Dae announced that Hong will start his term on Tuesday, succeeding Woo Sang-ho, the presidential secretary for public relations and communication. Hong, a three-term lawmaker, previously served as the DP's floor leader when Lee was party leader.
President Lee praised Hong, stating, "Known for his reasonable and amicable character, (Hong) continuously practiced politics of tolerance and cooperation under his belief of resolving conflict and confrontation through compromise and agreement during his term as lawmaker."
The move comes as Woo submitted his resignation, apparently to pursue a run for Gangwon Province governor in the June local elections. Under rules requiring civil servants seeking elective office to resign 90 days prior to the vote, attention is turning to whether other senior presidential aides might follow suit.
In response to the announcement, Hong posted on Facebook: "As a bridge between the president and the people, and between Cheong Wa Dae and the political circle, I will transparently convey a wide range of views and make my utmost efforts to help bring the nation together." He pledged to actively communicate with the public and politicians to overcome social conflicts and divisions, aiding in the implementation of Lee's vision for national unity.
This development is drawing interest in South Korea's political circles, seen as a precursor to personnel changes in the presidential office ahead of the local elections.
