Lee Jong-seok Nominated as National Intelligence Service Chief Amid Political Dynamics
On June 9, 2025, former Minister of Unification Lee Jong-seok was nominated by President Lee Jae-myung as the new head of the National Intelligence Service (NIS). Park Ji-won, a member of the Democratic Party and former NIS director under the Moon Jae-in administration, mentioned during an appearance on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's News Show' that Lee is part of a group known as the 'Six-Person Meeting' or 'Jaju faction.'
Park described Wi Sung-lak, the National Security Office chief, as a staunch pro-American figure, emphasizing that President Lee's foreign policy is rooted in the South Korea-U.S. alliance and often highlights trilateral cooperation with Japan. Wi, a career diplomat, previously served as the Director-General for North American Affairs and as the Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, and is categorized as part of the 'Alliance faction.'
Park elaborated on the 'Six-Person Meeting,' which includes influential figures such as Im Dong-won, Jeong Se-hyun, Moon Chung-in, Lee Jong-seok, Seo Hoon, and himself. This group, consisting of former ministers and advisors from the Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jae-in administrations, meets regularly to discuss and exchange views on national issues.
He noted that while Lee Jong-seok will focus on North Korea, he must also consider diplomatic relations with China and Russia. Park stated that the current geopolitical landscape requires South Korea to engage with both the U.S. and China, as well as Russia. He expressed confidence that Lee Jong-seok would excel in managing relations with these nations.
In response to concerns about potential conflicts between the 'Jaju faction' and the 'Alliance faction,' Park reassured that President Lee Jae-myung is even more pro-American than former President Kim Dae-jung, suggesting that there is no cause for concern. He remarked that occasional disagreements can be beneficial and that the new foreign minister, whoever that may be, will work collaboratively to advance national interests.
Park concluded by emphasizing the importance of maintaining active engagement in inter-Korean relations and ensuring that South Korea is not sidelined in international discussions, particularly in light of the actions of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
