President Lee Names Ex-Blacklist Prosecutor Han Chan-sik Civil Affairs Secr

[진주조개/박기주]

President Lee Names Ex-Blacklist Prosecutor Han Chan-sik Civil Affairs Secretary

Cheong Wa Dae reshuffles five senior roles, emphasizing reforms and economic security for 'Irreplaceable Korea' vision

By Park Sang-ki
Published 2026.06.21. 10:06Updated 2026.06.21. 14:59
 
 
 

Cheong Wa Dae announced on the 21st a personnel reshuffle replacing five senior-level officials, including the Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, Senior Secretary for Public Communication, Senior Secretary for Social Affairs, and the 1st and 3rd Deputy Directors of the Office of National Security. President Lee Jae Myung had previously signaled plans to reorganize Cheong Wa Dae following his first year in office. Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik stated, “This personnel change focuses on implementing the second-year national vision, ‘An Irreplaceable Republic of Korea,’ with momentum based on the achievements of the past year.”

Han Chan-sik, newly appointed Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, Sung Ki-hong, newly appointed Senior Secretary for Public Communication, Kim Kyung-ja, newly appointed Senior Secretary for Social Affairs

The new Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs is Han Chan-sik, a lawyer from Kim & Chang Law Firm with prior experience as head of the Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office and Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office.

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President Lee appointed another prosecutor-turned-lawyer to this role, following the precedent set by former Senior Secretary Bong Wook. Both Bong and Han joined Cheong Wa Dae after leaving the prosecution and working at Kim & Chang.

Han investigated the Moon Jae-in administration’s “Environmental Ministry Blacklist” case during his tenure as Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office head. Despite backlash from the ruling party, the investigation proceeded, leading to indictments of former Environment Minister Kim Eun-kyung, former Cheong Wa Dae Political Affairs Secretary Song In-bae, and former Balanced Personnel Secretary Shin Mi-suk. Han left the prosecution after his role as Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office head.
Kang Hoon-sik described Han as “a legal professional who has balanced strict law enforcement with sensitivity to human rights,” adding, “He will strengthen accountability in the public sector during the second year and ensure smooth completion of prosecutorial reforms, including the establishment of a serious crimes investigation agency and indictment agency.”
The new Senior Secretary for Public Communication is Sung Ki-hong, former CEO of Yonhap News. Sung, a former Yonhap journalist, held positions including political affairs chief, commentator, head of Yonhap TV’s news division, and CEO of Yonhap News.



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Kang Hoon-sik said, “We expect Sung to attentively listen to public voices toward building an irreplaceable Korea and effectively communicate government achievements to the people.”
The new Senior Secretary for Social Affairs is Kim Kyung-ja, a visiting professor at Woosuk University’s College of Liberal Arts. Kim previously served on the National Pension Service Investment Committee under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, as vice chair of the National Health and Medical Industry Labor Union, and as senior vice chair of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions.


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Appointing a senior vice chair from the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions to this role—which oversees labor, pensions, education, and welfare—reflects the administration’s focus. Kim, a pharmacist and former laid-off worker at Inha Hospital, played a key role in establishing Seongnam Medical Center, a long-standing project during President Lee Jae Myung’s tenure as Seongnam mayor. Kang Hoon-sik noted, “Kim is a healthcare expert and labor activist who has driven social change.”

Kang Geon-jak, newly appointed First Security Policy Office Director, Song Ki-ho, Third Security Policy Office Director

Two of the three deputy directors at the Office of National Security were replaced. The new 1st Deputy Director is Kang Geon-jak, a former 6th Army Corps commander and member of the Presidential Committee on Future Defense Strategy. Kang Hoon-sik said, “As a former army general, Kang has consistently advocated for political neutrality in the military, self-reliant defense capabilities, and military structural reforms. He is an expert who will enhance national security.”



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The new 3rd Deputy Director is Song Ki-ho, former Economic Security Secretary at Cheong Wa Dae. A former member of the Minbyun legal group, Song was initially appointed as head of the State Affairs Situation Room upon the current administration’s inauguration before moving to the Economic Security Secretary role under the 3rd Deputy Director. He was promoted to deputy director in this reshuffle.
Regarding Song, Kang Hoon-sik said, “Over the past year, he played a central role amid shifting trade environments, including U.S. tariff policy changes and supply chain risks from the Middle East. We expect him to maintain continuity and stability in economic security policies while proactively responding to new threats.”
This reshuffle replaces five senior-level officials. Once the vacant AI Future Planning Secretary position is filled, a total of six senior roles will change.


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Kang Hoon-sik remarked, “Over one-third and nearly half of the senior staff have been replaced, marking a major Cheong Wa Dae reorganization.” He added, “This reflects our commitment to continuous reform and self-discipline.”