New Deputy Prime Minister Maintains Current Policy Direction

New deputy prime minister and finance minister Han Duck-soo said yesterday, “I will enhance the nation’s economic situation and stabilize the macro-economy,” adding, “I will also implement an advanced economic system for an advanced Korea with confidence.”

After Cheong Wa Dae’s announcement that Han has been appointed as the new deputy prime minister, Han had a meeting in the press room for the prime minister on the 10th floor of the Central Government Complex located in Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, saying “I will maintain the current direction of economic policies without any revision.”

Before the announcement, Kim Woo-sik, presidential chief secretary, presided over a committee of recommendation for appointment in which Han Duck-soo, the chief of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, was recommended as the new Deputy Prime Minister to President Roh Moo-hyun. President Roh approved the recommendation as he received the recommendation.

Jung-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com yongari@donga.com