Kim picks staff aide to take over as deputy for economy

President Kim Dae-jung Monday appointed his chief of staff, Jeon Yun-churl, as new deputy prime minister of finance and economy. The position was vacated when its former occupant, Jin Nyum, quit Saturday to run for Gyeonggi province governor on the Millennium Democratic Party ticket.

As new chief of staff, Mr. Kim named Park Jie-won, one of his most trusted aides and a former senior adviser for policy. Mr. Kim also brought back Lee Ki-ho, former senior secretary for economic affairs, as senior adviser to the president for economy, welfare and labor. That ministerial-level position was newly created. Mr. Park's former office was eliminated.

"The new chief of staff, Mr Park, has been aiding the president for the last 12 years, and he is deemed the right person to serve as chief of staff in the last leg of the administration," said Park Sun-sook, the Blue House spokesman.

Monday's appointments filled three key posts with former Blue House senior secretaries.

"The Blue House and the political arena should go separate ways, and I will faithfully implement the president's resolve to not intervene in the political arena," said Mr. Park.

The three appointees are all natives of South Jeolla province. Mr. Jeon, 63, was born in Mokpo. He graduated from Seoul High School and Seoul National University. A technocrat, he headed the Fair Trade Commission before coming on board at the Blue House.

Mr. Lee, 57, a native of Gwangju, graduated from Gwangju Jeil High School and Seoul National University. Also a technocrat, he previously served as vice minister of health and welfare, and minister of labor and senior secretary for economic affairs.

Mr. Park, 60, is a native of Jindo, South Jeolla province. He graduated from Muntae High School in Mokpo and Dankook University. He is regarded as the president's right-hand man, having formerly served in high-profile positions as Blue House spokesman, culture minister and senior Blue House secretary for policy and planning. Political insiders refer to him as "vice president."

His appointment triggered stinging criticism from the opposition, which regards the latest appointment as a round of political musical chairs among Mr. Kim's long-time aides and administration loyalists.

Mr. Park went into political exile, resigning as culture minister in late 2000 over his alleged use of his influence to help his nephew obtain a loan from Hanvit bank. He staged a political comeback when Mr. Kim created the new office of senior adviser for policy in the Jan. 29, 2002, reshuffle.

"It is the worst possible appointment," said Nam Kyung-pil, the opposition spokesman, referring to the appointment of the new chief of staff.

"The president should repeal it immediately. The tapping of Mr. Park, who is known for covering the president's ears and eyes and for oppressing the press, is a declaration of war against the opposition and the press," Mr. Nam said.

by Chun Young-gi