Seoul: President Lee Jae-myung is poised to name Kim Min-seok, a Democratic Party (DP) lawmaker and his top campaign aide, as the new prime minister, according to sources. Kim, who has emerged from a background as a student activist to become a four-term lawmaker, played a pivotal role in Lee's presidential campaign. As a senior member of the DP's Supreme Council, he served as a co-chair of Lee's election team. This appointment will require parliamentary approval following a confirmation hearing.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee has also selected DP lawmaker Kang Hoon-sik, another key figure in his campaign, to serve as his chief of staff. Additionally, Lee Han-joo, who heads the DP's policy think tank, is reportedly named as the new chief staff for policy. President Lee is expected to make these nominations public later today.
For roles concerning national security and foreign affairs, Lee is considering former Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok, former Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Hyun-chong, and diplomat-turned-politician Wi Sung-lac among his potential picks. These selections are viewed as part of Lee's strategy to swiftly establish his new government, especially given the lack of a conventional two-month transition period.
The presidential election took place on Tuesday following the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon, who faced backlash over his brief martial law attempt in December.