Hong Ik-pyo named Blue House political chief

Jan 19, 2026, 07:53 am

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Hong Ik-pyo, newly appointed senior presidential secretary for political affairs at the Blue House. / Blue House

Former floor leader Hong Ik-pyo of the Democratic Party of Korea has been appointed as the new senior presidential secretary for political affairs at the Blue House, officials said on January 18.

Hong will succeed Woo Sang-ho, who is stepping down to run in the June 3 local elections. Woo will complete the handover process on January 19 before leaving office.

Blue House spokesperson Lee Gyu-yeon said at a briefing at Chunchugwan that Woo submitted his resignation for personal reasons, adding that Hong was chosen for his “reasonable and conciliatory character.” Lee said Hong has consistently practiced a politics of tolerance and cooperation, guided by the belief that conflict and confrontation should be resolved through compromise and consensus.

Hong is a three-term lawmaker, having served in the 19th, 20th, and 21st National Assemblies. His past roles include policy chief of the Democratic Party, chair of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, and policy adviser to the unification minister.

Asked whether additional senior Blue House officials plan to resign ahead of the June 3 local and by-elections, Lee said there were none at present beyond Woo. “We will have to see who leaves and when,” he said.

Regarding speculation that former Democratic Party lawmaker Ko Yong-jin could be appointed as a new political secretary, Lee said no decision has been finalized, noting concerns that a simultaneous departure of multiple staffers from the political affairs office could disrupt its functions.

Woo, who attended the briefing, said he found his tenure rewarding thanks to steady dialogue and cooperation with leaders and officials from across the political spectrum. He expressed hope that party leaders would continue close communication with his successor so that ties between political parties and the Blue House remain strong.

Woo reportedly submitted his resignation to President Lee Jae-myung last week and received words of encouragement in return. He is expected to oversee the confirmation hearing of budget nominee Lee Hye-hoon on January 19 before formally handing over duties to Hong.

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