“State Council Proposes Reorganization Plan on the 3rd,” “Announcement of Youth Affairs Officer Recruitment Plan”
On the 7th, at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung delivered a briefing on the establishment of a Youth Affairs Officer. [Yonhap]
[Herald Economy = Moon Hye-hyun] The presidential office responded to criticisms from the opposition regarding the inclusion of special activity funds for the presidential office in the supplementary budget (supplementary budget) on the 7th, stating, “They will be used responsibly and accounted for.”
During a briefing held at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, Spokesperson Kang conveyed this. Under the previous administration, the Democratic Party of Korea argued for a reduction in related funds, citing the lack of transparency in the execution of the presidential special activity funds.
Kang also addressed questions about whether the presidential office is preparing an organizational restructuring plan, stating that they are “in the process of confirming.” She added, “On the 3rd, a government reorganization plan was proposed by the State Planning Committee, and it is currently under internal review,” noting that “no decisions have been made regarding government organizational restructuring, nor has a specific plan been set for the presidential office’s reorganization.”
Regarding the passage of the broadcasting law, which is being promoted by the ruling party in the National Assembly’s Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee, spokesperson Kang relayed President Lee’s stance as “not focusing on specific details of the broadcasting law, but rather advocating for a law that can garner broad public consensus and support, regardless of the power structure or who holds power.”
Kang further stated, “Various governance structures and legal proposals are included, but no specific opinions have been expressed about individual special laws.”
It was confirmed that the special inspector appointed directly by the president has not yet been requested to the National Assembly. Kang mentioned, “It is not yet requested to the Assembly.”
Questions continued regarding the mention and subsequent removal of historical issues in the draft congratulatory message for the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic normalization. Kang explained, “While history is important, given the complex current international relations, it is crucial to focus on the present and future direction of Korea-Japan relations with a mutually beneficial dynamic.”
Speaking on National Security Office Chief Wi Seong-rak’s visit to the U.S., Kang reported, “It is anticipated and underway for exchanges and coordination of opinions on various fields, including tariff negotiations, US-Korea summit diplomacy, and possible discussions or meetings.”
Earlier, the presidential office announced the recruitment plan for a newly established ‘Youth Affairs Officer’ through the national civil servant recruitment system. Kang explained, “The selected Youth Affairs Officers will work in the Office of National Integration Secretary, handling tasks to practically improve the lives of youth through policy development, improvement of systems, and operation of youth engagement platforms.” Additionally, this recruitment is planned to follow a ‘fair hiring process’ to bring in diverse talents.
Applicants will undergo evaluation solely based on their aspirations and plans, reflected in a ‘Youth Policy Proposal’ and a subsequent presentation and interview, without submitting any documents related to education, experience, or family relationships, except for a basic certificate to verify age.
The presidential office plans to hire a total of 2, one male and one female. Previously, during Governor Lee’s term, youth secretaries were similarly publicly recruited through a blind selection process in Gyeonggi Province.
Kang commented, “It is quite similar to the 2019 Gyeonggi Province Youth Secretary recruitment method,” and noted, “The youth secretary selected at that time is currently Representative Mo Kyung-jong of Incheon Seo District. The concept from the Gyeonggi youth secretary recruitment has been extensively applied this time.”
However, she clarified, “Previously, it was the Gyeonggi Youth Policy Secretary, but this recruitment focuses on policies encompassing the direction of national youth policy, which can be seen as different in scope,” and added that the recruitment method reflects the president’s intentions.
The presidential office is also reportedly planning to conduct open recruitment for youth interns working in central government ministries and public institutions using the same method.
Kang concluded, “Detailed plans, content, and requirements for the Youth Affairs Officer recruitment can be checked through the national civil servant recruitment system, and we ask for your interest. The government intends to apply the fair hiring process to public sector youth intern recruitment and other areas following this recruitment,” she said.