Democratic Party praises presidential office appointments, including justice minister nominee Lee Yong-cheol, as showing ‘determination to improve government performance’

[Financial News] The Democratic Party of Korea praised the presidential office’s appointments on the 6th, saying they “reflect a commitment to improving the results of government initiatives.”
Democratic Party spokesperson Lee Yong-woo said this in a written briefing that day.
The presidential office named incumbent Defense Acquisition Program Administration chief Lee Yong-cheol as its nominee for justice minister that day. It also tapped incumbent Seoul Regional Tax Office chief Ahn Deok-su as nominee for commissioner of the National Tax Service, a post left vacant when Chief of Staff Lim Gwang-hyeon took office. Kim Jong-chul, currently deputy commissioner of the National Police Agency and acting commissioner, was named as the nominee for commissioner, a post that had been vacant for a long time.
Choi In-ho, a former member of the National Assembly and president of the Korea Housing & Urban Guarantee Corporation (HUG), was appointed to succeed Hong Ik-pyo, who had offered to resign as senior presidential secretary for political affairs.
Lee said, “We expect these appointments to build on experience gained in law, administration and legislative affairs, allowing the tasks we have been pursuing to continue steadily and bringing new momentum to policy implementation.”
He added, “In particular, experience and expertise can be brought to bear in addressing pressing tasks such as establishing the new criminal justice system, ensuring fair tax administration, and strengthening public safety.” He also said, “We hope the changes to the system will take root steadily on the ground and lead to results that protect public safety and build trust.”
He also added, “The Democratic Party will thoroughly vet the nominees’ qualifications and capabilities, as well as their morality and sense of responsibility, through confirmation hearings and in line with the public’s expectations. We hope those nominated this time will fully apply their expertise and experience in their respective roles and live up to the public’s trust.”   
The justice minister nominee, the National Tax Service commissioner nominee and the National Police Agency commissioner nominee named that day are expected to undergo National Assembly confirmation hearings before proceeding through the appointment process. Choi is expected to begin his term immediately after Hong formally resigns as senior presidential secretary for political affairs.  


[email protected] Kim Hyeong-gu Reporter