Behind President Lee Jae-myung's first-year achievements stand key aides and cabinet members who supported state affairs across the board, observers say. Despite external variables including South Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations and the Middle East war, they stably managed economic and diplomatic agendas, sustaining the administration's momentum. As the government enters its second year, political circles are watching closely to see what positions and roles these figures will take on.
Among President Lee's closest aides, Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik stands out. Kang has served the president at close range and, as the president's special envoy for strategic economic cooperation, visited four countries in Central Asia and the Middle East in April this year, securing 273 million barrels of crude oil and other tangible results. Given his broad reach across both policy and political affairs, the prevailing view is that he will continue to play a central role through the remainder of the term.
Policy Office Director Kim Yong-beom has served as the policy control tower overseeing state tasks. After President Lee declared a "war on real estate speculation," Kim is credited with designing and coordinating major policies, including the abolition of the deferred heavier capital gains tax on multiple-home owners, providing momentum for policy implementation. While some in political circles mention him as a potential candidate for the next prime minister, the more weighted view is that he will focus on completing ongoing reform tasks as policy office director for the time being.
The figure drawing the most attention regarding future positioning is Prime Minister Kim Min-seok. As a four-term former lawmaker, Kim has bridged the ruling party, government, and presidential office, supporting state administration and legislative agendas. Within the ruling bloc, the likelihood of his bid at the party convention in August is viewed as high. In particular, with Kim reportedly hosting a dinner with cabinet members on the 1st, some in political circles interpret it as a de facto "farewell move."
Industry and Trade Minister Kim Jeong-kwan is also counted as a key figure for the second year of the administration. Minister Kim led the South Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations last year, steering the deadlocked talks to a conclusion through dozens of working-level rounds. U.S. President Donald Trump described Minister Kim as a "tough negotiator," highlighting his presence. Within government circles, Minister Kim is expected to lead major industrial and trade tasks going forward, including the MASGA project, driving the government's growth strategy.
