Yoon replaces head of spy agency

▲ This Nov. 24, 2023, photo shows Kim Kyou-hyun, chief of the National Intelligence Service, attending a plenary session of the intelligence committee at the National Assembly in Seoul. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

spy agency chief-resignation

Yoon replaces head of spy agency

SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- President Yoon Suk Yeol has accepted a resignation tendered by Kim Kyou-hyun, chief of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the presidential office said Sunday.

Yoon also accepted resignation offers by Kwon Chun-taek, first deputy director, and Kim Soo-youn, second deputy director, of the NIS, according to the presidential office.

The presidential office said Kim worked to "reestablish the reputation of the NIS as the country's top security and intelligence agency," and "build a support system with intelligence institutions of friendly nations" during a period of administration change.

Former diplomat Hong Jang-won was set to be appointed as first deputy director and also take over as acting chief of the spy agency for the time being, according to the presidential office.

(END)

(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved