The 'No Young-min Line' Falls One After Another... The Second-in-Command at Cheong Wa Dae Losing Strength

Chief Presidential Secretary Noh Young-min Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] Recently, the government offices have been in turmoil as several figures known as the so-called 'No Young-min Line' have been consecutively ousted in high-level personnel appointments. After various 'farces' arose over the real estate sales of multi-homeholding aides at the Blue House, Chief of Staff No Young-min abruptly offered his resignation, taking responsibility, but ultimately remained in office after a week. Although Chief No retained his position, rumors have emerged within government circles and political circles that his standing has changed significantly compared to before.

According to a compilation of Asia Economy's coverage on the 21st, in recent high-level government personnel appointments, many individuals who were expected to be promoted due to their connections with Chief No failed to make the personnel list against expectations. A representative example is Ko Gyu-chang, Director of the Local Finance and Economy Office at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, who was strongly considered as the next Deputy Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. He hails from Cheongju, Chungbuk, Chief No's former electoral district, and previously served as Deputy Governor of Chungbuk Province.

Even during Chief No's tenure as Ambassador to China, he visited Cheongju and met with then-Deputy Governor Ko, marking him as a figure tagged with the 'No Young-min Line' label within government circles. According to multiple officials from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and ruling party sources, when the appointment of former Deputy Minister Yoon Jong-in as Chairman of the Personal Information Protection Commission was internally decided about two months ago, rumors of Director Ko's promotion immediately circulated. Although he was seriously considered, his name ultimately did not appear on the deputy minister-level personnel list announced last week.

In the financial sector, during the competition between Deputy Governors Lee Seung-heon and Yoo Sang-dae for the Bank of Korea Deputy Governor position, which was nearing the end of its term, Chief No's influence was also felt. The Deputy Governor is appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Bank of Korea Governor.

On the 30th of last month, when Governor Lee Ju-yeol had recommended both candidates and only President Moon Jae-in's decision remained, Chief No suddenly posted on his Facebook promoting the 'extension of the Korea-US currency swap period.' This is a task overseen by Deputy Governor Yoo, leading to interpretations that Chief No was openly providing 'side support.' The connection with Chief No, who was Ambassador to China during the 2017 Korea-China currency swap extension, was also highlighted. However, on the 20th, President Moon promoted Deputy Governor Lee.

Additionally, Kim Yoo-geun, former First Deputy Director of the Blue House National Security Office (NSC), was once mentioned as a candidate for the next Minister of National Defense but was reportedly excluded from the candidate pool due to personal reasons. In the recent National Tax Service chief appointment, it is known that Lee Dong-shin, Director of the Busan Regional National Tax Service from Chungbuk, competed closely with candidate Kim Dae-ji until the final stages. Both are from Chungbuk, and rumors circulated in political circles that Chief No had recommended them.

The Chief of Staff of the Presidential Office serves as the chairperson of the personnel committee responsible for appointments made by the President according to related organizational laws. Although the final appointment authority lies with the President, the Chief of Staff can exert significant influence during the verification and recommendation process. Nevertheless, given that Chief No's opinions have not been reflected in recent personnel decisions, government and political circles speculate that his organizational control may have weakened amid worsening public sentiment on real estate and the resignation offer process.

A ruling party official said, "At a time more serious than ever due to COVID-19 quarantine and economic issues, a key position like Chief of Staff should not become a figurehead," adding, "Replacing the Chief of Staff seems inevitable to revitalize the Blue House."

In response, a ruling party source conveyed, "Chief No does not know the mentioned personnel and personnel decisions are made through a system."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.