Lee presents credentials to presidential advisers, committee heads

President Lee Jae Myung on Friday presented letters of appointment and commission to 10 officials, including chairs and vice chairs of presidential advisory committees, special presidential advisers and the Special Inspector General. Lee called on the committees to move beyond formality and play a substantive role, urging members to actively propose policy ideas.

Cheong Wa Dae Chief Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a written briefing that Lee presented commission certificates to chairs and vice chairs of presidential committees and to special advisers, and an appointment certificate to the Special Inspector General, at Cheong Wa Dae on Friday morning.

A total of 10 officials received credentials. Among the presidential committee appointees, Gye Seung-gyun was commissioned as chair of the National Intellectual Property Committee, Ha Jung-woo as vice chair of the National AI Strategy Committee, Kim Ki-young as chair of the National Library Committee, Baek Jong-woo as vice chair of the National Life Safety Committee, Park Jeong-hyeon as chair of the Local Era Committee, and Hong Mi-young as chair of the National Sustainable Development Committee. Kim Kyung-soo was named special presidential adviser for political affairs, Song Young-gil for peace diplomacy, and Kim Byung-joo for defense policy. Choi Gil-su received an appointment certificate as Special Inspector General.

At a tea gathering held after the ceremony, Lee said the presidential committees must not remain ceremonial bodies but must play a genuine role, stressing the need for effective counsel. Lee also asked the newly commissioned officials to "actively and frequently offer diverse opinions, given that we have brought together experts from each field." Kim Ki-young, chair of the National Library Committee, expressed gratitude, noting it was the first time a sitting president had personally presented a commission certificate since the committee was established.

Lee particularly emphasized protecting citizens' right to life and promoting balanced regional development. Addressing Baek Jong-woo of the National Life Safety Committee, Lee said attention should be paid not only to reducing deaths from industrial accidents, suicide and solitary death, but also to cutting traffic fatalities, adding that "the fact that some 20,000 people die each year before their time is something we must absolutely address." Lee told Park Jeong-hyeon of the Local Era Committee to "faithfully carry out the role, as there are many tasks to pursue, including balanced development and locally centered policies."

Lee also reiterated that the presidential committees serve as a channel for conveying voices from the field, saying the contents are reviewed closely and personally.

Turning to the newly commissioned special advisers, Lee urged careful management of public messaging. "You must be mindful that your words and actions can be interpreted as the government's position," Lee said.

To Special Inspector General Choi, Lee said "there is much to be done," stressing that "above all, early response and prevention when problems arise are what matter most."