Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung has appointed new senior presidential secretaries for communications and civil affairs, along with three other aides, the presidential chief of staff announced Sunday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Seong Ghi-hong, former CEO and president of Yonhap News Agency, was appointed as the presidential secretary for public relations and communication. Han Chan-sik, a former senior prosecutor, was named the presidential secretary for civil affairs. Additionally, Kim Kyoung-ja, former vice chairperson of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, was appointed presidential secretary for social affairs.

In further appointments, former Army commander Kang Gun-jark and Song Ki-ho, a senior official at the National Security Office, were named the first and third deputy national security advisers, respectively. Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik highlighted Seong Ghi-hong's extensive experience as a journalist, noting his ability to communicate effectively with the public and convey the results of government policies clearly.

Furthermore, President Lee appointed Nam Jae-heon, a senior official from the oceans ministry, as vice minister of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. Nam is expected to play a crucial role in advancing South Korea's interests in Arctic shipping routes, a significant step towards establishing the nation as a strong maritime power.

The reshuffle marks a strategic move as President Lee embarks on the second year of his five-year term, having taken office in June last year.