Tax Commissioner Named Pres. Policy Chief

President Lee Myung-bak named National Tax Service chief Baek Yong-ho as his policy chief in a reshuffle of the presidential office Tuesday.

Rep. Chung Jin-suk, a three-term lawmaker of the ruling Grand National Party, was named senior presidential secretary for political affairs.

Senior presidential secretary for public affairs Lee Dong-kwan said Park In-joo, head of the National Institute for Lifelong Education, was chosen for the new post of senior secretary for social integration, which is aimed at improving communication with religious and civic groups.

Kim Hee-jung, a former lawmaker and head of the Korea Internet and Security Agency, was appointed presidential spokeswoman, a position combining the posts of the primary and secondary spokespersons.

Baek is considered well versed in President Lee’s economic philosophy. Upon entering the presidential office, he will oversee the president’s chief secretaries for economic policy, education and culture, and strategic and future planning as the No. 2 man behind the presidential chief of staff.

“The success or failure of policy hinges on how well the government coordinates and minimizes conflict,” Baek said in stressing the importance of communication.

On Chung’s appointment as senior presidential secretary for political affairs, secretary Lee said, “He is expected to expedite seamless communication among the ruling party, the presidential office, the government and opposition parties together with the presidential chief of staff and the special minister without portfolio, and thus help build a friendly and cooperative relationship by banking on his ample experience as lawmaker and sense of balance.”

On Park being named the first presidential chief secretary for social integration, secretary Lee added, “Park was widely recommended by a diversity of people from different sectors, including veterans at religious and civic groups, as someone who can spearhead seamless communication between the presidential office and civil groups, and who could make critical suggestions to President Lee when necessary.”

yongari@donga.com