Lee names nominees for prime minister, spy agency chief, other key posts

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Wednesday unveiled his nominees for major government posts, including prime minister and spy agency chief, in his first round of appointments just hours after taking office.

Kim Min-seok, a student-activist-turned-four-term-lawmaker of the Democratic Party (DP), was tapped as the new prime minister. Kim served as Lee’s top presidential campaign aide.

Describing Kim, one of his confidants, as “a figure of rich legislative experience, policy expertise and international perspective,” Lee framed the appointment as a cornerstone of his push to revive the country’s faltering economy and deliver “competent, integrated governance” in a period of uncertainty.

Former Unification Minister and veteran intelligence strategist Lee Jong-seok was named to head the National Intelligence Service, the nation's spy agency.

The president cited Lee Jong-seok’s experience as the former chief of the National Security Council as a critical asset at a time of growing geopolitical volatility and stalled inter-Korean dialogue.

While both nominees must undergo confirmation hearings, the prime minister nominee requires parliamentary approval before being formally appointed by Lee.

Wi Sung-lac, a seasoned diplomat-turned-lawmaker, was appointed as national security adviser.

He served as South Korea's ambassador to Russia and as chief negotiator for the six-party talks on North Korea's denuclearization.

President Lee said Wi will play a key role in achieving his vision for pragmatic diplomacy and a defense posture based on cutting-edge technologies.

TOP AIDES

On his first day in office, President Lee also announced his picks for his top aides.

Kang Hoon-sik, a three-term DP lawmaker and a key campaign figure, was named his chief of staff.

Kang has worked closely with Lee since the 2022 presidential election, in which Lee narrowly lost to his then-conservative archrival Yoon Suk Yeol, and oversaw campaign strategy in the run-up to the June 3 presidential election.

Retired Army General Hwang In-kwon was tapped to lead the Presidential Security Service.

DP lawmaker Kang Yu-jung, who served as Lee's campaign spokesperson, has been named the presidential spokesperson.

“She has a high level of understanding of the president's political philosophy and policies,” the Office of the President said in a statement. “She is expected to become a crucial bridge connecting the presidential office, the media and the people.”

Write to In-Soo Nam at isnam@hankyung.com

Jennifer Nicholson-Breen edited this article.