Breaking News: Lee Appoints Kim Jwa-kwan as National Water Management Commission Chair

President Lee Jae-myung appointed Kim Jwa-kwan, a distinguished professor at Catholic University of Pusan, as chair of the National Water Management Commission on Sunday. The position carries a rank equivalent to prime minister.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung announced the appointment during a briefing at Chunchugwan, the press center at the presidential office.

"He is an expert in water resources and environmental affairs who has led environmental movements in the field for more than 30 years and has extensive experience advising the central and local governments on policy," Kang said of the new chairman.

Kang added that Kim "will strengthen response capabilities in the era of climate crisis and resolve piled-up challenges in a balanced manner, including settling water-related conflicts between regions and restoring the Four Rivers to their natural state."