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February 29, 2008
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Lee Dong-kwan, the presidential spokesman, said the president believed Kim could redefine the spy agency’s role in government. “Kim is a fit candidate to fulfill the creative pragmatism that is the goal of the administration,” he said. “Kim will help lead the National Intelligence Service’s rebirth as a pure intelligence agency.” Long dogged by complaints that the agency interferes in domestic politics, the NIS has sought in recent years to portray itself as committed to North Korean affairs and information gathering overseas. “I hope Kim’s appointment will reshape the role of the National Intelligence Service to serve the goals of the new administration, which are economic revival and a global Korea,” President Lee was quoted as saying. Born in Namhae, South Gyeong-sang in 1950, Kim studied law at Korea University. After passing the bar in 1976, Lee worked in the prosecution until 2004. From August 2006 to August 2007, Kim was Roh’s justice minister. The United Democratic Party said yesterday that Kim’s appointment was a sign of favoritism toward his hometown. “The key posts for investigative authorities under the Lee administration are being filled with natives of Busan and South Gyeongsang,” said Choi In-kee of the UDP. “This will hinder national unity and prompt complaints from areas that are excluded.” Lee Dong-kwan countered that ability is more important than regionalism. “The president believes it is necessary to upgrade the intelligence agency,” Lee said. “Rather than distributing posts evenly among regions, the administration made ability the top priority.” Kim will be questioned at a National Assembly hearing, but legislative approval is not mandatory for the post. While serving as justice minister, Kim challenged Roh’s argument that it is unconstitutional to require public servants to maintain political neutrality during elections. Kim’s dissension resulted in a thorny relationship with the Blue House until the end of his term. By Ser Myo-ja Staff Reporter/ Seo Seung-wook JoongAng Ilbo [myoja@joongang.co.kr] |
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