Presidential Appointments

[Anchor Lead]

President Moon Jae-in has appointed Solidarity for Economic Reform Director Kim Sang-jo, an outspoken critic of conglomerates, as chief of the Fair Trade Commission. He also appointed Pee Woo-jin, the military’s first female helicopter pilot, as minister of patriots and veterans affairs.

[Pkg]

The nominee for Fair Trade Commission Chariman, Kim Sang-jo, is known as a vocal critic of the conglomerates' corporate governance structure. Last year he attended a parliamentary hearing on the Choi Soon-sil scandal as a witness to point out the absurdities in the chaebol system. The presidential office said that Kim is the right candidate to hold the post in order to establish a fair market and revive the economy.

[Soundbite] Kim Sang-jo(Nominee for Fair Trade Commission Chairman) : "I will establish a fair market economy order, promote consumers' welfare, and revive the Korean economy."

President Moon appointed retired Army Lt. Col. Pee Woo-jin, the first female helicopter pilot in Korea, as Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

[Soundbite] Pee Woo-jin(Nominee for Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs) : "I believe that veterans affairs are the past and the future of national security. I will focus veterans affairs policies on the veterans."

Sources say President Moon will first appoint vice ministers next week prior to selecting ministers. Former KBS anchor Ko Min-jung is being considered for the post of Cheong Wa Dae deputy spokesperson in line with the presidential office's policy to appoint a female to the post.