Former Democratic Party lawmaker Hong Ik-pyo has been appointed as the new secretary for political affairs by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, replacing Woo Sang-ho. Hong, a three-term lawmaker, previously served as the DP’s floor leader alongside Lee when he was party leader. President Lee praised Hong for his reasonable and amicable character, highlighting his approach of resolving conflicts through compromise and agreement during his time as a lawmaker.
The appointment of Hong comes as Woo offered to resign, possibly to run for Gangwon Province governor in the upcoming local elections in June. There is speculation on whether other senior presidential officials will step down due to a rule requiring civil servants intending to run in elections to resign 90 days before the elections. President Lee recently met with leaders of ruling and opposition parties to discuss bipartisan cooperation and state affairs, with the absence of the main opposition party leader at the meeting.
During the meeting, which included leaders of the ruling Democratic Party and five minor parties, discussions focused on various issues. The minor parties present were the Rebuilding Korea Party, the New Reform Party, the Basic Income Party, the Jinbo Party, and the Social Democratic Party. Details of the discussions were not immediately disclosed, but it was anticipated that President Lee would share insights from his recent visits to China and Japan, exchange views on state affairs, and seek political support for government policies.
This meeting marked President Lee’s third engagement with party leaders since assuming office in June and his first since September.
