Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung appointed Vice Budget Minister Lim Ki-keun as the new minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination (OPC), the presidential office announced on Friday. Lim is set to take over from Yoon Chang-ryeol in leading the office, which plays a crucial role in assisting the prime minister.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Seong Ghi-hong, the senior presidential secretary for public relations and communication, highlighted Lim's expertise in economic policy as a significant asset. Seong expressed confidence in Lim's ability to mediate the interests of various ministries effectively and manage state affairs based on his experience in coordinating complex economic policies.

Lim Ki-keun previously held the position of vice budget minister and has an extensive background, having served as chief of the Public Procurement Service and in several senior roles at the Ministry of Finance and Economy. His appointment follows the reported voluntary resignation of Yoon Chang-ryeol, who stepped down before the official announcement.

Seong further explained that the transition aligns with Yoon's perspective that Prime Minister Han Seong-sook, who took office on July 1, would benefit from collaborating with a new minister at the OPC.