President Moon Jae-in tapped a former liberal lawmaker who served as campaign spokesperson for one of his key rivals during the party's primary, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae announced Tuesday.

Widely recognized for his communication skills, the new spokesperson Park Soo-hyun is the right person to deliver the president’s message to the press and the public, according to Moon’s chief press secretary Yoon Young-chan.

The 52-year-old Park, who has frequently served as spokesperson in the liberal camp, worked as a spokesperson for South Chungcheong Gov. An Hee-jung during the primary season earlier this year. After An lost to front-runner Moon, he joined Moon’s camp where he once again demonstrated his media communication skills.

The new press official is deemed a rare figure within the Democratic camp to receive complimentary reviews from the conservative opposition, according to observers.

His appointment is seen as reflecting the new president‘s vow to achieve unity in the political arena and to reinforce the Blue House’s communication with the media.

Park is also known for his courteous tone and manner, which helped him maintain a friendly relationship with journalists during his several years as party spokesman.

In the last 19th National Assembly, he represented South Chungcheong‘s Gongju where the liberal party had previously struggled in elections.

(tellme@heraldcorp.com)