President Lee names former tax chief Lim Kwang-hyun as new chief of staff

President Lee Jae Myung announced that Lim Kwang-hyun, who leads the National Tax Service and previously served as a Democratic Party lawmaker, will become the new chief of staff at Cheong Wa Dae. Lim succeeds Kang Hoon-sik, who stepped down following intense scrutiny of the presidential office's handling of Cabinet nominations, including the withdrawals of nominees for gender equality and family minister and justice minister.

In a press briefing, Lim said his mission is to build on the administration's achievements and make daily life easier for the public. He brought experience from both the National Assembly and the executive branch, having served as deputy tax commissioner and as an economic policy officer under the Roh Moo-hyun administration. The appointment marks the first personnel change in the chief of staff role since Lee took office in June 2025 and aims to restore confidence amid a decline in his approval ratings.