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| ▲ This photo, provided by Cheong Wa Dae, shows presidential secretary for political affairs Hong Ik-pyo. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
(LEAD) Cheong Wa Dae-secretary
(LEAD) Ex-DP lawmaker Hong named Lee's new political affairs secretary
(ATTN: UPDATES with Hong's response in last 2 paras)
SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Yonhap) -- Former Democratic Party (DP) lawmaker Hong Ik-pyo has been named President Lee Jae Myung's new secretary for political affairs, Cheong Wa Dae said Sunday.
Hong will begin his term as presidential secretary Tuesday, replacing Woo Sang-ho, presidential secretary for public relations and communication Lee Kyu-youn said during a press briefing.
Hong, a three-term lawmaker, previously served as the DP's floor leader alongside Lee when he was party leader.
"Known for his reasonable and amicable character, (Hong) continuously practiced politics of tolerance and cooperation under his belief of resolving conflict and confrontation through compromise and agreement during his term as lawmaker," Lee said.
The appointment comes as Woo offered to resign in an apparent bid to run for Gangwon Province governor in the upcoming local elections scheduled for June.
Eyes are on whether other senior presidential officials will leave office under a rule that mandates civil servants seeking to run in elections quit their jobs 90 days prior to the elections.
Following the announcement, Hong vowed to make every effort to help implement Lee's vision of uniting the nation, pledging to actively communicate with the public and the political circle to help overcome social conflict and division.
"As a bridge between the president and the people, and between Cheong Wa Dae and the political circle, I will transparently convey a wide range of views and make my utmost efforts to help bring the nation together," Hong wrote on his Facebook page.
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