Kim Sung-wan Appointed as New Presidential Spokesperson

President Lee Jae Myung has appointed former journalist and political commentator Kim Sung-wan as a new presidential spokesperson, filling a position that had been vacant for about five months. Kim began work at Cheong Wa Dae on Monday.

The appointment restores the presidential communications office to a three-member structure. Kim joins senior spokesperson Kang Yu-jung and deputy spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong, expanding the team responsible for relaying the administration’s positions and handling communication with the press and public.

Speaking to reporters after taking up the post, Kim said he felt a heavy sense of responsibility now that his words would be delivered directly to the media. He pledged to communicate with the public more actively and with humility, echoing a principle emphasized by President Lee.

Kim brings experience from both journalism and broadcasting. He previously worked as a reporter at Media Today, a publication focused on the media industry, covering newspaper, economic and political affairs. He later became a radio host and political analyst, appearing on programs at KBS and CBS. From 2018 to 2023, he hosted a KBS Radio current affairs program bearing his name. He has also served as an expert member of the Regional Newspaper Development Committee.

The spokesperson position had been open since April, when former spokesperson Jeon Eun-su stepped down to prepare for the June 3 local elections. During the vacancy, the presidential communications team operated with Kang and Ahn. Kim’s arrival reestablishes the senior spokesperson, spokesperson and deputy spokesperson arrangement.

The selection places a veteran media professional at the center of the presidential office’s public messaging. His responsibilities will include explaining government positions, responding to questions from reporters and helping coordinate communication at a time when the administration is managing a wide range of domestic and foreign-policy issues.

The personnel change is primarily an adjustment to the presidential office’s communications operation rather than a shift in government policy. Its immediate effect is to add capacity to Cheong Wa Dae’s media team and formally end the vacancy left by Jeon’s departure. Kim’s first remarks indicated that public communication and a measured approach to the role will be central to his tenure.