Kim begins work Monday

Kim Seong-wan, Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson [Yonhap]
Kim Seong-wan, Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson [Yonhap]

President Lee Jae Myung has appointed political commentator Kim Seong-wan as Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson, it was confirmed Monday.

The appointment comes about five months after Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Jeon Eun-su resigned from the post, and restores a two-spokesperson setup at the presidential press office, with Kim joining Chief Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.

Lee has been weighing how to strengthen his communications team as his approval rating has fallen to its lowest level since taking office, sources said, with the president seeking a more effective way to convey his governing philosophy and policy direction.

Kim reported for duty Monday and met with reporters in an introductory session, Cheong Wa Dae said.

Speaking to reporters at the Chunchugwan press briefing room, Kim said he would "make every effort to communicate more with the public with a humble attitude."

Born in 1968, Kim began his journalism career in 1997 when he joined Media Today. He has since built a long career as a political commentator on broadcast current-affairs programs.


sang@heraldcorp.com