Full Breakdown
Lim Kwang-hyun Appointed Presidential Chief of Staff in Lee Jae-myung Administration
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 14, Lim Kwang-hyun, the 57-year-old commissioner of the National Tax Service, was introduced as the new presidential chief of staff at a press briefing in the Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House). His term is scheduled to begin on October 15.
Background & Context
Lim entered public service after passing the higher civil service examination in 1995. His career includes roles as an administrator in the Office of the Secretary to the President for Economic Policy, deputy commissioner of the National Tax Service, a Democratic Party lawmaker in the 22nd National Assembly, and standing vice-chair of the Democratic Party’s Policy Committee.
President Lee Jae-myung’s surprise appointment follows a period in which the administration was praised for aggressive tax collection and “work-drive” reforms, according to unnamed analysts cited in Korean media.
Key Figures
- Lim Kwang-hyun — Commissioner of the National Tax Service; appointed presidential chief of staff.
- Kang Hoon-sik — Outgoing chief of staff who introduced Lim.
- Lee Jae-myung — President of South Korea, leader of the Democratic Party.
Official Statements & Responses
He added that each day for citizens is urgent, and the same urgency must guide the work of the Blue House.
President Lee posted on the social platform X, welcoming Lim and expressing confidence that Lim would “do as much as Hunsik” and urging respect for the Korean people’s will.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As the first commissioner of the National Tax Service under the Lee Jae-myung administration, he contributed to establishing tax justice and has faithfully put into practice the president's governance philosophy of lowering the walls of inequality so that all citizens can enjoy a better life.” — Staff Kang, chief
- “The responsibility comes heavier than ever as I take on the chief of staff,” — Former Chief, of Staff Kang Hoon-sik
- “Since I entered public office in 1995, I have always had a mission to serve the people, but now that I take over as chief of staff, the responsibility comes heavier than ever,” — Commissioner Lim, appointed presidential chief
What’s Next
Lim’s official duties commence on October 15, when he will assume responsibility for coordinating policy and political affairs across the administration. The appointment positions him as the primary aide to President Lee in implementing the government’s agenda on livelihood recovery and social reform.