Lee names veteran TV journalist as new senior press secretary

SEOUL, Sept. 28 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak named a veteran television journalist as his new senior press secretary, the presidential office announced Wednesday, as the outgoing aide was arrested on bribery charges.
Choe Guem-nak of the SBS television network was tapped to succeed Kim Du-woo as senior presidential secretary for public affairs. Kim, a former newspaper journalist, was arrested Tuesday night on charges of taking bribes from a lobbyist for a troubled savings bank.
"Choe, based on his rich experience and knowledge as a journalist, is expected to increase the public awareness of government policies and improve mutual understanding with leaders of various sectors of the society," said Kim Hyo-jae, senior political affairs secretary.
Choe plans to take office on Thursday. Choe served as Washington correspondent for SBS television and was in charge of the economic and political desks before serving as the head of the SBS newsroom.
"I will focus on narrowing the gap between the president and the press while ensuring that information is delivered in a quick and transparent way," Choe told reporters. "I am honored and heavy-hearted at the same time as I take on this significant mission."