President names new spokesman

Kim Eui-kyeom

President Moon Jae-in tapped a former liberal newspaper journalist known for a scoop about the influence-peddling confidante of ousted former President Park Geun-hye as his new spokesman, his office said Monday.

Kim Eui-kyeom, 55, who spent 28 years with the Hankyoreh newspaper, was named to succeed Moon’s outgoing first spokesman Park Soo-hyun, senior presidential press secretary Yoon Young-chan told reporters. Park plans to leave his position to run for office during local elections in June.

“After spokesman Park, who laid a stable ground in the government’s communication with the people since its inauguration, Kim is expected to responsibly carry out the duty of communicating with the people in a trustworthy manner,” Yoon said.

A native of Gunsan, North Jeolla, Kim graduated from Korea University and then joined the liberal newspaper in 1990, where he worked as reporter on the city and political desks.

He also served as city desk editor, deputy managing editor and editorial writer.

In September 2016, Kim broke news about alleged influence-peddling and other irregularities involving then-President Park’s longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil.

The scandal ultimately led to Park’s ouster from office and her incarceration.

Yonhap