As soon as National Security Office chief Kim Seong-han announced his sudden resignation, President Yoon Seok-yeol accepted his resignation and announced a successor, and rumors abound regarding the background. It is pointed out that it is even more questionable that the chief of the National Security Office, which oversees foreign affairs and security, has taken off his clothes, following the protocol secretary and foreign affairs secretary.
The Democratic Party urged the truth to be revealed transparently, saying, ‘What is going on inside the presidential office’, ‘Who is giving hardships’, and ‘Who are you quitting because you touched someone’s heart?’
On the followingnoon of the 29th, Director of the National Security Office Kim Seong-han suddenly said, “I intend to step down from the position of head of the National Security Office as of today.” I have said that I will go back to school following laying the groundwork for strengthening security cooperation between Korea, the US and Japan. Now, I think those conditions have been met to some extent.”
Director Kim wrote, “The preparations for the future state visit of the President to the United States are well under way, so I believe that even if a new successor comes, I will be able to carry out my duties without a hitch.” He also indirectly revealed the reason for his resignation. Director Kim said, “I hope that the controversy caused by me will no longer be a burden on diplomacy and state administration.”
Later, at 5:55 p.m., Kim Eun-hye, senior secretary for public relations in the presidential office, said at a briefing on pending issues, “President Yoon Seok-yeol decided to accept the appreciation of National Security Office Director Kim Seong-han following much consideration today.” did,” he said.
There is still no clear explanation as to why the chief of the National Security Office suddenly quit. In a briefing on the same day, a high-ranking official in the presidential office responded to the question, “We denied the rumor of replacement until the day before, but there was a problem with suddenly accepting the resignation and even appointing a successor today, so we replaced it.” “However, I know that Chief Kim expressed his desire not to be burdened with diplomacy and state affairs several times, and the president also dissuaded him. He insisted on it and accepted it.” The official replied, “I think there are many questions, but I will take a chance and have another opportunity to speak.”
The Dong-A Ilbo, which first reported that it was considering replacing Kim Seong-han as head of the National Security Office, said in an editorial on the 29th, “In the vicinity of the presidential office, the US proposed a special cultural program reflecting the opinions of Jill Biden, but the response from the diplomatic and security line was delayed and it may be canceled for a while. It is said that we were in a crisis, and there was a reprimand from the president who found out regarding it belatedly,” he said. It was reported at least five times, but it was not dealt with in a timely manner.”
The Dong-A Ilbo said, “The omission of the report may have been the primary cause, but there are also observations that other reasons have piled up for the issue of the move of the head of the National Security Office to be mentioned.” It was analyzed that there was a structural problem, such as the liver and limbs not matching.” The newspaper reported, “In this process, there are also criticisms regarding the rumors of conflict between key figures and the secrecy of the National Security Office, which is reluctant to share information with the government ministries.” The Dong-A Ilbo first reported on the front page of the 28th that it was reviewing the replacement of chief Kim Seong-han. The newspaper reported that an official from the presidential office said, “President Yoon has felt the need to reform the diplomatic and security lines, including the process of adjusting the schedule for his visit to the United States.” I wrote that
The Democratic Party urged a responsible explanation for the resignation of National Security Office chief Kim Seong-han.
Kwon Chil-seung, chief spokesman of the Democratic Party, said at a briefing at the press conference of the Communication Hall of the National Assembly that evening, “Please explain responsibly regarding the hardships of foreign affairs and security lines such as National Security Office Director Kim Seong-han.” pointed out. Chief Spokesperson Kwon said, “I am very worried regarding whether we will be able to properly protect the national interest of the Republic of Korea at the Korea-US summit.”
Chief Spokesman Kwon listened to the part where Director Kim Seong-han said that he did not want the controversy caused by him to become a burden on diplomacy and state affairs anymore, and said, “What the hell is the controversy?” Yes, and why?” he asked. Chief Spokesman Kwon said, “The public does not know what the hell is going on in the presidential office.” It should be explained in a way that makes it understandable whether it was the initiative,” he urged.
Meanwhile, Cho Tae-yong, newly appointed head of the National Security Office, graduated from the Department of Political Science at Seoul National University and entered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following passing the 14th Foreign Service Examination. Senior Secretary Hong Soo-soo Kim Eun-hye said that following serving as the first deputy head of the Blue House Security Office and the first vice minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a member of the People’s Power National Assembly, Cho was serving as the ambassador to the United States. Chief Kim explained, “We plan to quickly select a successor for the ambassador to the United States and ask the White House for agrément.”
