Internal affairs minister named new intelligence chief

SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Myung-bak replaced his intelligence and
police chiefs on Sunday, aides said, as part of a long-anticipated government
shakeup ahead of his second year in office.
Separately, informed sources said Han Duck-soo, who served as the finance and
prime minister under the past liberal governments of Presidents Kim Dae-jung and
Roh Moo-hyun, is being tapped to become ambassador to the United States.
In Sunday's reshuffle, Won Sei-hoon, minister of public administration and
security, was appointed to head the main government spy agency, the National
Intelligence Service, presidential officials said.
Kim Seok-ki, chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, was promoted to
replace Eo Cheong-soo as national police commissioner, they said.
President Lee has been under pressure from both his supporters and foes to
reorganize his government which has seen its popularity sliding down to around 20
percent.
Presidential aides indicated that the reshuffle would affect the presidential
office and the Cabinet.
Lee took office on Feb. 25 last year following an election victory.
lcd@yna.co.kr
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