'Ability' and 'Close Aides'... Two Keywords to Understand Yoon's Personnel Style

Yoon Appoints Jang Je-won as Chief Secretary and Kim Eun-hye as Spokesperson
Jang, Key Negotiator Behind Unification with Ahn Cheol-soo
Appointment as Chief Secretary Proves 'Closest Aide' Status... Some Say "Chosen for Ability, Not Closeness"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Following the appointment of Rep. Jang Je-won of the People Power Party as Chief of Staff for President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol, Rep. Kim Eun-hye of the People Power Party has been appointed as the spokesperson for the President-elect. The appointments of Rep. Jang and Rep. Kim, marking the first step in forming the next government, are analyzed as reflecting Yoon's style of personnel selection.

On the 11th, political circles explained that the appointment of Chief of Staff Jang was a personnel decision based on capability. A political insider close to President-elect Yoon evaluated, "It seems that Yoon has trust in Chief of Staff Jang's abilities." They prefer Jang’s work style, which provides the candidate with direction as well as strengths and weaknesses. This insider explained, "The President-elect evaluates based on ability and is not the type to appoint someone just because they are a close aide."

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol is seen clenching his fist after delivering a closing remark at the People Power Party's presidential election campaign headquarters disbandment ceremony held on the afternoon of the 10th at the National Assembly Library in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers.

Before the presidential election, Chief of Staff Jang acted as the 'full-power representative' during the 'unification' negotiations that led to Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People Party, withdrawing his candidacy and declaring support for Yoon. Before Yoon publicly named Chief of Staff Jang as the negotiation channel, the negotiation channels were kept strictly confidential.

Additionally, Chief of Staff Jang’s ability to serve as a bridge in future relations with Ahn is also an advantage. President-elect Yoon agreed to form a joint government with Ahn through candidate unification. With Ahn being mentioned as a potential head of the transition committee or prime minister, and expected to play a central role in the next government, Chief of Staff Jang can act as a liaison between the President-elect and Ahn.

The appointment of Rep. Kim as the spokesperson for the President-elect is also seen in the same light. This reflects an evaluation of her role during the presidential campaign as head of the public relations team, managing overall messaging.

However, beyond ability, personal trust and faith also played a role. Previously, Chief of Staff Jang revealed an episode where the President-elect personally cooked ramen when Jang visited him, showing their close relationship. There is also an interpretation that the trust Yoon has in Chief of Staff Jang contributed to the appointment. A political insider close to Yoon explained, "The President-elect cherishes Chief of Staff Jang."

A political insider said, "Once the President-elect trusts someone and appoints them, he thinks a lot about it." In fact, when Chief of Staff Jang faced difficulties related to his son in the past, Yoon expressed his intention to appoint him, which led to Jang voluntarily stepping down.

From the case of Chief of Staff Jang, it can be inferred that President-elect Yoon rarely wavers once he has trust in a person.

However, in political circles, there are concerns about Yoon appointing close aides as his first personnel after winning the presidential election. Rep. Kwon Seong-dong of the People Power Party, considered a close aide of Yoon along with Chief of Staff Jang, appeared on KBS Radio’s ‘Choi Kyung-young’s Strong Current Affairs’ and, when asked if he would participate in the transition committee, said, "If both Chief of Staff Jang and I join, would the political circles or media just leave it alone? We would be criticized. Why do something that invites criticism?"

On the other hand, there is also a view that it is unnecessary to apply strict standards even to the appointment of the Chief of Staff for the President-elect. Political commentator Park Sang-byeong evaluated, "Unlike public officials who undergo confirmation hearings, the Chief of Staff should be viewed differently," adding, "It is natural to appoint someone trustworthy and close."

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