Han Duck-soo Appointed as New PM

President Roh Moo-hyun appointed former minister of Finance and Economy Han Duck-soo, 58, as the new prime minister, and former presidential civil affairs secretary Moon Jae-in, 54, as the new chief of staff on Friday.

Yeom Sang-guk, 50, was promoted to lead security in the Cheong Wa Dae. Outgoing chief presidential secretary Lee Byung-wan, 53, was appointed as the special aide for presidential state affairs.

Han Duck-soo will be officially appointed earlier next month after the National Assembly agrees to the nomination. The National Assembly’s approval is not needed for the chief presidential secretary.

The presidential secretary for personnel affaires explained that Mr. Han is the right person to manage state affairs such as economic issues and the Korea-U.S. FTA talks in a stable manner.

Han graduated from Kyunggi High School and Seoul National University, and became a civil servant by passing the 8th national qualifying exam for senior government officials. Under the current government, he served as deputy prime minister and led the commission for the Korea-U.S. FTA talks.

Moon graduated from Kyungnam High School and Kyung Hee University and is the chief lawyer of a law firm. He is a close aide of President Roh.

jyw11@donga.com