Former senior judge named head of anti-corruption watchdog

Politics

Published: 10 Jan. 2024, 18:30

Former senior judge named head of anti-corruption watchdog

Yu Chul-hwan, left, a former senior judge, greets reporters after he is named as new chairperson of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission in a press briefing at the Yongsan presidential office in central Seoul Wednesday. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

President Yoon Suk Yeol tapped Yu Chul-hwan, a former senior judge at the Seoul Central District Court, as his new head of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) Wednesday.

Wang Yun-jong, the current presidential secretary for economic security, was named as third deputy national security adviser, a newly established position tasked with overseeing economic security issues, announced presidential chief of staff Lee Kwan-in a press briefing on Yoon's latest appointments.

A veteran judge of over two decades, Yu previously served in various posts, including the Jeonju District Court and Seoul High Court, and has worked as a lawyer since his retirement from the bench.

A native of South Chungcheong, Yu is a graduate of Seoul National University (SNU) College of Law and is known for his work to represent the socially disadvantaged.

He was diagnosed with a grade 4 physical disability after contracting polio when he was young and decided to become a lawyer to help vulnerable communities, including people with disabilities.

The state-run anticorruption watchdog chairperson is a minister-level post.

"I took up this position with the mindset of wanting to lead an ACRC that personally visits the vulnerable groups and disadvantaged neighbors in our society," Yu said in the press briefing.

Wang Yun-jong, new third deputy national security adviser, speaks in a press briefing at the Yongsan presidential office in central Seoul on Wednesday. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

Wang received his bachelor's and master's degrees in economics from SNU and a doctoral degree in international economics from Yale University.

He previously worked as a researcher for the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP), head of research and planning at SK China and later as a senior vice president of SK SUPEX Council, SK Group's top advisory group.

Lee described Wang as an "expert with both field experience and theoretical understanding, having been active in academia and the business community, who has accumulated abundant experience in the global economic security field, including in the United States and China."

The presidential National Security Office is helmed by National Security Adviser Chang Ho-jin. His first deputy, Kim Tae-hyo, oversees foreign affairs and national security issues, and his second deputy, In Seong-hwan, is in charge of national defense. Wang, as third deputy adviser, will oversee economic security, science and technology, cyber security and other emerging security issues.

"I believe that the rival parties are in agreement on supply chain stability and economic security," Wang said in the press briefing. "As third deputy adviser, I will take responsibility not only in economic security but also in areas of cooperation with advanced countries in emerging core technologies and cyber security, and do my best to overcome crises."

Ahn Se-hyun, a professor at the University of Seoul who is an expert in international politics and economic and energy security, will replace Wang as presidential secretary for economic security.

Cheong In-kyo, president of the Korean Security Agency of Trade and Industry, was named as the new minister for trade, a vice-ministerial-level post under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

An international trade expert, Cheong took part in Korea's FTA negotiations with countries including the United States and Chile.

He received a bachelor's degree in economics from Hanyang University and his master's and doctorate in economics from Michigan State University.

Cheong previously served as a researcher at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) and professor at Inha University. He has also advised various government agencies, including the finance, industry and foreign ministries.

Yoon also replaced three vice ministers in the latest reshuffle.

Kang In-sun, who serves as presidential secretary for international public relations and presidential spokesperson for foreign press, was named second vice foreign minister.

A former journalist well-versed in international affairs, Kang previously served as chief of the Washington bureau for the Chosun Ilbo newspaper and was Yoon's spokesperson for foreign press during his presidential transition.

Lee said with her "field experience abroad and diverse networks, she is expected to lead multilateral and public diplomacy smoothly."

Second Vice Industry Minister Kang Kyung-sung was promoted to first vice minister, said the presidential office. Choe Nam-ho, the ministry's spokesperson, was named second vice industry minister.

BY SARAH KIM [kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr]