Roh Replaces Deputy Intelligence Chief

On April 19, it was confirmed that President Roh made a decision to replace Seo Dae-won, the National Intelligence Service’s (NIS) first deputy director for international affairs.

Presidential spokesman Kim Man-soo said on April 19, “A recommendation meeting will convene tomorrow (April 20) to review the proposal on the selection of the NIS first deputy director for international affairs. We’ll be able to announce Seo’s successor as early as next week.”

A Cheong Wa Dae official said, “The replacement is now under consideration partly because Seo has served long as first deputy director for international affairs since December 2004, and partly because it is necessary to strengthen the capabilities of the overseas part of the NIS, as internal reforms are now under way.”

While Kim Man-bok, NIS executive director for administrative support, is the likeliest to be appointed as Seo’s successor, three others, including an incumbent diplomat and a figure from the private sector, are also being mentioned as likely candidates.

Kim, who has worked for a long time in the overseas part of the NIS, served as information management office director at the National Security Council (NSC) Secretariat for the current administration.

Seo, a career diplomat who served as deputy ambassador to the U.N. and ambassador to Hungary, will work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade temporarily and be assigned to diplomatic establishments abroad.

Meanwhile, discussions on April 20 will include issues such as the selection of governors for North Korean provinces excluding North Pyongan Province, and the selection of a financial and monetary commissioner.

Yeon-Wook Jung jyw11@donga.com