Cheong Wa Dae's Kim Sang-jo Retained as Policy Chief: "Not the Time for Change Amid Many Issues" (Comprehensive)

by Ryu Jeongmin

Published 31 Dec.2020 14:35(KST)

Continuing Role of Former Blue House Policy Chief Who Expressed Resignation... "No Mention of Deputy Prime Minister Hong Nam-gi Cabinet Reshuffle Possibility"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] President Moon Jae-in has retained Kim Sang-jo, the Chief of Policy Office, who had previously expressed his intention to resign.

Jung Man-ho, Senior Secretary for Public Communication at the Blue House, stated during a briefing at the Chuncheon Press Center on the afternoon of the 31st, "President Moon Jae-in said that due to ongoing issues such as the third round of disaster relief payments and COVID-19 prevention, it is not the right time to replace the Chief of Policy Office, Kim Sang-jo."

When asked whether this could be considered a rejection of resignation, a senior Blue House official said, "The term 'rejection' was not used, but there will be no replacement of the Chief of Policy Office in early next month or anything like that." This implies that Kim Sang-jo is set to remain in his position.

Kim Sang-jo, Chief of Policy Office at the Blue House, is attending the National Assembly's Steering Committee meeting held on the 4th for the Blue House's government audit, responding to lawmakers' questions. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

A senior Blue House official explained the reason President Moon retained Chief Kim Sang-jo as "because there are many ongoing matters, this measure is to prevent any interruption, vacancy, or disruption to government projects."

Meanwhile, the Blue House also dismissed the possibility of replacing Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, which had been mentioned in some political circles in connection with the replacement of Chief Kim Sang-jo. A senior Blue House official said, "There has been no mention of a cabinet reshuffle involving Deputy Prime Minister Hong Nam-ki."