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(2nd LD) Lee appoints new senior secretaries for communication, civil affairs

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has appointed new senior presidential secretaries for communication and civil affairs, along with other key aides, as part of a reshuffle entering his second year in office. The appointments include veteran journalist Seong Ghi-hong and former prosecutor Han Chan-sik, with expectations focused on prosecutorial reform.

By Tertius News AI Desk 1 outlet · 5 articles Version 1 Coverage Jun 21, 2026 Published Aug 14

Lead

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has named new senior presidential secretaries for communication and civil affairs, along with several other key aides, according to multiple reports from Yonhap News Agency on Sunday. The reshuffle marks a significant personnel adjustment as Lee enters the second year of his five-year term.

Coverage Comparison

All five reports from Yonhap News Agency consistently confirm the appointments of Seong Ghi-hong as presidential secretary for public relations and communication and Han Chan-sik as presidential secretary for civil affairs. Three of the five reports also mention Kim Kyoung-ja as the new presidential secretary for social affairs. One report adds the appointment of Nam Jae-heon as vice minister of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, a detail not included in the other reports.

Key Claims

Seong Ghi-hong, former CEO and president of Yonhap News Agency, was appointed as presidential secretary for public relations and communication, according to all five reports.
Han Chan-sik, a former senior prosecutor and attorney, was named presidential secretary for civil affairs, as reported by all five sources.
Kim Kyoung-ja, former vice chairperson of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, was appointed presidential secretary for social affairs, according to three reports.
Nam Jae-heon, a senior oceans ministry official, was appointed vice minister of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, a claim carried by a single report.
Han Chan-sik is expected to focus on completing the administration's prosecutorial reform agenda ahead of the planned overhaul of the prosecution system in October, as stated in one report.

Perspectives

Administration's Communication Strategy

Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik described Seong Ghi-hong as a veteran journalist with 30 years of experience, "equipped with a sense of balance and sound judgment." Kang said Seong "will closely listen to people's voices and faithfully carry out communication with the public so that people can easily understand the results of government policies." This appointment suggests an emphasis on transparent and accessible communication from the presidential office.

Prosecutorial Reform Focus

Han Chan-sik's appointment as civil affairs secretary is viewed through the lens of the administration's prosecutorial reform agenda. According to one Yonhap report, Han is expected to leverage his deep knowledge of the prosecution service to steer reforms, including the creation of separate agencies for public prosecutions and criminal investigations. The report notes potential friction between the ruling Democratic Party and the government over whether prosecutors should retain supplementary investigative powers, and whether Han can mediate these differences.

Personnel Continuity and Expertise

The reshuffle includes appointments that reflect a mix of insider experience and external expertise. Seong's long career at Yonhap, including coverage of inter-Korean talks and political turmoil, positions him as a seasoned communicator. Kim Kyoung-ja's background as a union leader brings a labor perspective to social affairs. The appointment of Nam Jae-heon, a senior oceans ministry official, suggests a focus on maritime policy, particularly Arctic shipping routes, as highlighted in the single report that included this detail.

Context and Corrections

All reports are from Yonhap News Agency, South Korea's leading wire service, and were published on June 21, 2026. The reports do not contain conflicting information; rather, they vary in the level of detail provided, with some offering more comprehensive coverage. No corrections or retractions have been noted in the provided material.