Lee to replace top political, public affairs aides

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with details)
SEOUL, June 9 (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, officials 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.
Officials said the reshuffle is expected to take place Friday.
Though no official announcement has been made yet, Rep. Kim Hyo-jae of the ruling Grand National Party said he accepted an offer to be Lee's chief political affairs secretary. The journalist-turned-lawmaker said he would do his best to improve ties between the presidential office and the party.
Kim will replace Chung Jin-suk, who is preparing to run for parliament in next year's elections.
Planning and management secretary Kim Du-woo is expected to succeed Hong Sang-pyo as the chief public affairs aide, officials said. A civil affairs secretary, Chang Dasaro, is expected to take Kim's job as planning and management aide, they said.
Lee also plans to replace senior secretary for employment and welfare affairs Chin Young-kon, but it is unclear who will succeed him, officials 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.
Lee decided to retain presidential chief of staff Yim Tae-hee, officials said.
jschang@yna.co.kr