By Kim Hyo-jin
President Moon Jae-in has promoted Han Byung-do, a political affairs secretary, to senior secretary for political affairs, Cheong Wa Dae said Tuesday.
Han, a former lawmaker, will succeed Jun Byung-hun, who resigned on Nov. 16 over his involvement in a bribery scandal.
“Han is considered to be fit for communications with the National Assembly considering his experience as a lawmaker and his role as secretary for political affairs,” presidential spokesman Park Soo-hyun said.
“He is expected to better relay the President’s thoughts to the legislature with a deep understanding of Moon’s philosophy on state management.
The appointment is viewed as a decision prioritizing the continuation of work. Han has filled Jun’s position with smooth communication skills in close contact with ruling and opposition parties.
Cheong Wa Dae reportedly first reached out to former lawmaker Kang Ki-jung and presidential spokesman Park Soo-hyun. But they declined, aware they must prepare for running in local elections slated for next June.
Han is expected to work on winning opposition parties’ support for the 2018 budget plan and reform bills. He is also expected to set up a regular consultative body in which government officials and members of the ruling and opposition parties discuss security and other state affairs.
“I feel a heavy burden as I took this post when opposition lawmakers outnumber ruling party lawmakers in the Assembly.” Han said. “I will become a bridge between the presidential office and the National Assembly.”
Han is a former first-time lawmaker who was a member of then-ruling Uri Party between 2004 and 2008. He failed to win the ticket to the primary for the two previous general elections and, although he won the candidacy, he lost in the latest general election.
He was chief of policy-making headquarters in Moon’s presidential campaign.
Born in Iksan, North Jeolla Province in 1967, Han studied mass communication at Wonkwang University and was school president.