Lee likely to replace top political, public affairs aides

SEOUL (Yonhap) - President Lee Myung-bak plans to replace his top political and public affairs secretaries this week in a reshuffle that could affect lower-level aides as well, a presidential official said Thursday.
A shake-up of Cheong Wa Dae has been expected for months to revitalize the presidential office ahead of Lee's final year in office next year and to give aides trying to run for parliament in next year's general elections more time for preparation.
Rep. Kim Hyo-jae of the ruling Grand National Party is tipped to replace Chung Jin-suk as senior political affairs secretary while planning and management secretary Kim Du-woo is expected to succeed Hong Sang-pyo as chief public affairs aide in the reshuffle expected for Friday, the official said.
Chung is said to be preparing to run for parliament in next year's elections.
Lee also plans to replace senior secretary for employment and welfare affairs Chin Young-kon, but it is unclear who will succeed him, the official said.
The president is also expected to name new lower-level secretaries, including the aides for industrial and energy affairs and civil society affairs. Presidential spokeswoman Kim Hee-jung and political affairs secretary Kim Yeon-kwang could also be replaced as they plan to run for parliament, the official said.