Ex-media mogul refuses to work for Moon

By Jun Ji-hye

JoongAng Media Network’s former chairman Hong Seok-hyun has refused to work as a special adviser to President Moon Jae-in, according to Cheong Wa Dae, Monday.

“We are taking the relevant steps to withdraw the appointment,” a Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters, asking not to be named.

President Moon named Hong to be one of the special presidential advisers for unification, foreign affairs and national security on May 21. But Hong immediately rejected the offer, according to the official.

When asked about the reasons for his rejection, the official said, “There is nothing I can say as it was his personal choice.”

Hong visited the United States, May 17, as Moon’s special envoy, during which time he met with U.S. President Donald Trump and other officials. On the day of the appointment, he returned home and told reporters he learned about his appointment only after his arrival.

“I heard about the appointment just now,” he told reporters at the airport. “I need to think about it more. I am a bit embarrassed as the announcement was made without prior consultation with me.”

The official said he did not know much about it as Moon’s chief of staff was mainly working on it, but it was believed the presidential office failed to contact Hong in advance as he was on the flight.

On a follow-up appointment, the official said nothing has been decided.

Hong served as Korean ambassador to the United States in 2005 under the Roh Moo-hyun administration for which Moon served as chief of staff.

Hong was once mentioned as a potential candidate for the U.N. secretary-general, along with Ban Ki-moon, the position the latter assumed in 2007.

He quit JoongAng Media Network in March and sought to run in the May 9 presidential election, but later decided not to run.