Cable news channel executive named Lee’s PR aide

By Kim So-hyun

President Lee Myung-bak named Hong Sang-pyo, director at cable news channel YTN, as his top aide for public relations, Cheong Wa Dae said on Thursday, completing the nominations for a new lineup of officials to lead the presidential office through the second half of Lee’s tenure.
Yu Myeong-hee, chief of the 21st century frontier project at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, was named senior officer to the president for national future, who will supervise secretaries for science and technology; broadcasting, information and communication; plus green growth.
Kim Du-woo, senior officer for presidential speeches and messages, was appointed as the new chief of executive planning and management.
The other senior presidential secretaries for civil affairs, economic affairs, foreign affairs and national security, employment and welfare will remain in office. Only the title "employment and welfare" was changed from "social welfare."
"The newly appointed officials will commence work from Monday," said top presidential aide for PR Lee Dong-kwan who will be replaced by Hong from the cable news network.
Hong started his journalist career at Yonhap News in 1982 and worked as YTN’s chief editor and executive of management planning.
Hong is known for his excellent planning and analytical skills, according to the outgoing Lee.
"Having established an extensive personal network through his long experience as a journalist, Hong is believed to be the right man for senior aide of PR who must communicate with the public and seek for their understanding of government policies," Lee said.
Hailing from Boeun, North Chungcheong Province, 52-year-old Hong graduated from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.
As for the newly created post of senior officer to the president for "national future," the appointment of a scientist suits the purpose of putting more emphasis on Korea’s preparations for the future.
"In addition to her long field experience in science and technology, Yu has great passion for science, a strong drive and outstanding coordinating skills. She is therefore cut out for the job of preparing for national future by exploring new growth engines," Lee said.
Yu, 56, majored in microbiology at Seoul National University and earned her doctorate from University of California, Berkeley. She has since worked at KIST and is also a member of the presidential advisory panel on science and technology.
Kim Du-woo will succeceed Chung In-chul who recently offered to resign as secretary to the president for executive planning and management amid allegations that he pressured public company CEOs for personal reasons.
Kim, a former journalist with the JoongAng Ilbo, had served as secretary to the president for political affairs.
(sophie@heraldcorp.com)