Moon to replace chief of staff, keep top security adviser
From left, Korean Ambassador to China Noh Young-min, Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Cho Yoon-je and former Culture Minister Chung Dong-chae are among candidates to replace presidential chief of staff Im Jong-seok in a new possible shakeup at Cheong Wa Dae next week at the earliest. /Yonhap
By Yi Whan-woo
President Moon Jae-in is expected to replace his chief of staff Im Jong-seok in a new possible shakeup at Cheong Wa Dae, according to multiple presidential officials, Friday.
They said Moon, however, is likely to keep National Security Office chief Chung Eui-yong and other security aides amid a rapidly changing political situation on the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia.
The possible shakeup may take place next week at the earliest, the officials added.
“The President mulls replacing several senior presidential aides,” an official said on condition of anonymity. “It is likely to happen next week or before the Lunar New Year holiday at the latest.”
The move is seen as efforts to complete reshuffle of presidential staff as quick as possible in order to better focus on economic policies and prepare for the general elections next year.
Moon changed his top commanders on economic policy in November.
Another official said the President is considering replacing at least three senior aides ― Im, secretary for political affairs Han Byung-do and presidential press secretary Yoon Young-chan.
Presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom is also expected to join reshuffle list.
Some presidential officials claimed Moon has ordered to conduct background checks of about five to six shortlisted candidates.
Korean Ambassador to China Noh Young-min is seen as the strongest candidate to replace Im.
Noh is one of Moon's closest advisers. He played key roles in Moon's camp during the 2012 and 2017 presidential elections.
A former three-term lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), Noh has rich experience in economic policy.
Other potential candidates are Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Cho Yoon-je, former culture and tourism minister Chung Dong-chae, former deputy presidential chief of staff Yang Jung-chul and National Assembly Secretary-General Yoo In-tae for the position.
Kang Gi-jung, also a former three-term lawmaker from the 2000s, is considered the strongest candidate to replace senior secretary for political affairs Han. Also joining the shortlist is Rhee Cheol-hee, a DPK legislator, a former political commentator who built fame after appearing as a TV panelist.
Some sources speculate Moon may pick Kim Sung-soo, a first-term DPK lawmaker to replace presidential press secretary Yoon or promote Kim Eui-kyeom to the post.
Yoon, if he leaves Cheong Wa Dae, is likely to run for the 2020 general elections or tapped as the next culture, sports, and tourism minister.
The Sources also speculate Cheong Wa Dae officials NSO chief Chung will remain unchanged considering he needs to work on a possible visit of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Seoul.
Meanwhile, Moon is expected to keep senior civil affairs secretary Cho Kuk, despite the latest controversy over lax management of presidential personnel.
The President continued to put his trust in Cho and asked him to seek measures to tighten discipline within Cheong Wa Dae.