Seoul: President Lee Jae-myung has established a policy planning committee to develop the new government's policy roadmap, effectively serving as a presidential transition team, his office announced Thursday. President Lee appointed Lee Han-joo, head of the Democratic Party's Institute for Democracy think tank, as the chair of the committee, tasked with outlining Lee's policy plans and priorities.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the committee will function like a presidential transition team, responsible for tasks such as restructuring government organizations and organizing key policy agendas, excluding personnel vetting, as stated by presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung in a briefing. This initiative aims to maintain continuity in state affairs, as President Lee assumed office immediately following a snap election, which occurred due to former President Yoon Suk Yeol's removal from office over his failed martial law bid.

President Lee has expressed the necessity for reforming the government's structure, including removing the finance ministry's responsibility for drafting the budget. Additionally, he has pledged to establish a climate energy ministry and expand the role of the ministry of gender equality and family. Meanwhile, President Lee might appoint vice ministers soon, as they do not require a parliamentary confirmation hearing, allowing him to advance his policies promptly while awaiting the formation of his Cabinet.

As for potential appointments within the presidential office, former four-term lawmaker Woo Sang-ho has been suggested as a strong candidate for the position of senior secretary of political affairs, and Lee Kyou-youn, former JTBC CEO, has been considered for the role of senior public relations secretary.