(LEAD) Presidential aide on economic growth named new presidential policy chief

(ATTN: UPDATES with more info from 3rd para, photos) SEOUL, Oct. 1 (Yonhap) -- Chief presidential aide on economic growth Ha Joon-kyung has been named to serve as the presidential chief of staff for policy, an official said Thursday. Moon Shin-hak, a sitting vice minister of trade, industry and resources, has been appointed to replace Ha as the new chief presidential aide for economic growth, presidential secretary for public relations Seong Ghi-hong said at a briefing. This file image shows chief presidential aide on economic growth Ha Joon-kyung, who was promoted to serve as the presidential chief of staff for policy on Oct. 1, 2026. (Yonhap) Rep. Song Young-gil of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) has been named President Lee Jae Myung's special envoy for peace and diplomacy, while another DP lawmaker, Rep. Kim Byung-joo, has been picked as a special envoy for defense policy. As part of the personnel reshuffle, Kwon Dae-young, currently vice chairman of the Financial Services Commission, has been appointed as the first vice finance minister, with Jeong Eui-kyung, currently a senior official at the ministry of land, infrastructure and transport, appointed the ministry's second vice minister, according to Seong. "The latest appointments were intended to faithfully reflect the public's wishes in line with President Lee's intention to more closely heed the people's livelihoods," Seong said. The Lee administration's commitment to and passion for reforms remain unchanged, the official said, reiterating its stance to strengthen social policies, including on housing, jobs and financing for low-income people. Rep. Song Young-gil of the ruling Democratic Party (C) speaks during a press conference at the National Assembly on Sept. 18, 2026. Song was appointed as President Lee Jae Myung's special envoy for peace and diplomacy on Oct. 1, 2026. (Yonhap) pbr@yna.co.kr(END) Articles with issue keywords