New S. Korean president appoints staff, to re-organize presidential office

New South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Thursday appointed senior presidential secretaries on his second day of presidency.

Moon planned to re-organize the presidential office, and the re-organization plan will be announced during an emergency cabinet meeting scheduled later in the day, presidential chief of staff Im Jong-seok told reporters.

Cho Kuk, 52, was named as senior presidential secretary for civil affairs. Cho is a law professor of Seoul National University, who is regarded as one of the most reformist law experts.

Cho Hyun-ock, a professor of Ehwa Woman's University, was named as senior presidential secretary for personnel affairs. It was the first time for a female figure to assume the post.

Yoon Young-chan, a former vice president of Naver, the most used search engine, was appointed as senior press secretary, and Lee Joung-do, a former finance ministry official, was named as secretary for general affairs.

Meanwhile, the presidential chief of staff said Moon's office will be re-organized.

The chief of staff said the re-organization plan was aimed to provide more autonomy to ministries.

Forming a committee, which will actually serve as a presidential transition team, is under consideration, the chief of staff added. Endit