Lee Sang-Joo as Chief of Presidential Secretary

President Kim Dae-Jung designated Lee Sang-Joo, head of the state-run Academy of Korean Studies, to be his chief of presidential secretary. Lee will replace Han Kwang-Ok, who was designated as chairman of the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP). Lee will be appointed today.

Park Joon-Young, head of presidential spokesperson, explained the grounds for the Lee`s appointment yesterday saying that ``Lee Sang-Joo is a person well suited for the position to assist President since he is experienced in various fields including education with capacity to mediate and embrace.``

President Kim plans to complete the reorganization of the government and the party early this week by replacing some senior presidential staffs and key MDP officeholders following the approval of the dismissal of Unification Minister Lim Dong-Won.

It was reported that two or three senior presidential secretaries would be replaced, and the replacement of three key MDP officeholders was also under consideration.

Prior to this, President Kim appointed Sohn Young-Rae, head of the Seoul Regional Tax Office, to the top post at the National Tax Service. Sohn`s predecessor is Ahn Jeong-Nam, who is newly appointed to Minister of Construction and Transportation.

Yun Seung-Mo ysmo@donga.com