Kim Yong-beom Replaced as Cheong Wa Dae Says Personnel Shake-Up Aims to Boost Policy Execution

[Financial News] Cheong Wa Dae said on the 1st that Kim Yong-beom's resignation was part of a broader shake-up among aides designed to provide smoother momentum for policy execution.
A Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters at the Chunchugwan Press Center that the average tenure of presidential aides is about 1 year and 2 months to 1 year and 6 months, and said that was the background behind Kim's decision to step down.
Kim submitted his resignation on the 31st of last month, and President Lee Jae-myung accepted it on the same day. Kim was also reported to have attended the morning meeting as usual and said farewell to his aides.
The official said President Lee had previously noted the need to readjust the government's working methods, priorities and direction after its first year in office. He added, "Hasn't the economic policy line already changed through appointments announced in the Cabinet?"
He went on to say, "Please understand this as a personnel change aimed at finding more vitality and momentum in those areas." Asked whether the reshuffle from former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Koo Yun-cheol to Kim signaled a shift in policy direction, he replied, "There are many policy tasks ahead, and especially in economic policy, there are many matters that need to be decided and implemented. It should be seen as a measure to speed up and accelerate those efforts."
He also addressed criticism that Kim should be held responsible for recent real estate and stock market policies, saying, "When the average tenure is about 1 year and 2 months to 1 year and 6 months, it is not particularly unusual for any aide to be replaced." He added, "Please understand this as a personnel reshuffle intended to provide smoother momentum for policy execution."
The government also plans to appoint a successor as chief secretary for policy. The official said, "Since this personnel reshuffle itself is a measure to revitalize and accelerate the second economic policy line, we plan to push ahead with follow-up appointments so that state affairs are not disrupted."
On concerns that the vacancy could create a gap in work on U.S. investment and mega projects, the official said, "The chief of staff and each senior secretary are faithfully carrying out their respective roles, and the relevant senior secretary's office is also taking responsibility for its work." He added that a provisional Mega Project aide was appointed on the 31st of last month and said, "We plan to carry out our work without disruption."
[email protected] Sung Seok-woo Reporter