The President named today Special Advisor for Political Affairs Maeng Hyung‐kyu as Minister of Public Administration and Security; Ambassador Choi Joong‐kyung to the Philippines as Senior Secretary for the Economy; and Secretary to the President for Health and Welfare Roh Yeon‐hong as Commissioner of the Korea Food and Drug Administration.

Minister‐designate Maeng Hyung‐kyu, 64, has held a wide range of crucial posts in the media, the Grand National Party, the National Assembly and the Government, demonstrating sharp political judgment from an insightful perspective and an open mind. His flexible but principled attitude focusing on trust is expected to help him more efficiently tackle various pending issues facing the Ministry of Public Administration and Security.

The newly appointed Senior Secretary for the Economy Choi Joong‐kyung, 54, is a seasoned government official who is well versed in the area of finance and has a profound understanding of the overall economic policies of the Lee Myung‐bak Administration. His pronounced ability in coordination, strong drive to push ahead with tasks and rich experience in policy implementations all combined to become decisive factors in appointing him. On the basis of such capabilities, he will be able to review and efficiently coordinate the pending economic issues of the Administration as it enters its midterm.

In addition, he is also well known for shrewd understanding of the developments in international affairs and for his ability to make sound judgments. Given this, he is expected to play a crucial role in occasions requiring well‐coordinated international collaboration, including the G‐20 Summit, as well as in strengthening cooperation among economy‐related agencies within the Government.

The newly appointed Commissioner of the Korea Food and Drug Administration Roh Yeon‐hong, 55, has put special emphasis on the need for communication between the Government and the public. Based on his broad experience and remarkable ability to respond to special situations, he is expected to help deepen public confidence in the Government’s dealing in food and drug affairs.

Meanwhile, the President appointed Yoon Sang‐jick, 54, as his new Secretary for Knowledge Economy. He is currently head of the Office of Planning and Coordination in the Ministry of Knowledge Economy.