National Tax Service Commissioner Lim Kwang-hyun, 57, has been tapped as the second presidential chief of staff under the Lee Jae-myung administration's Cheong Wa Dae.

The new chief of staff's term begins tomorrow (October 15).

Lim, a native of Hongseong, South Chungcheong Province, entered public service after passing the higher civil service examination and has served as an administrator in the Office of the Secretary to the President for Economic Policy, deputy commissioner of the National Tax Service, a lawmaker in the 22nd National Assembly for the Democratic Party of Korea, and standing vice chair of the Democratic Party's Policy Committee.

His predecessor, Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, introduced him by saying, "Commissioner Lim is a politician with a background as an economic bureaucrat who combines abundant administrative experience and political acumen," adding, "As the first commissioner of the National Tax Service under the Lee Jae-myung administration, he contributed to establishing tax justice and has faithfully put into practice the president's governance philosophy of lowering the walls of inequality so that all citizens can enjoy a better life."

Kang continued, "Having extensive experience in both the National Assembly and the government, he is the right person to better reflect the people's voices in state affairs and accelerate governance achievements through cooperation between the ruling party and Cheong Wa Dae," stressing, "As the highest-ranking aide assisting the president on the front lines, we expect him to carry out the president's mandate for livelihood recovery and social reform, creating a Republic of Korea where all citizens prosper together."

Lim shared his thoughts, saying, "Since entering public service in 1995, I have always harbored a sense of duty to serve the people, but now that I have taken on the role of chief of staff, that responsibility feels heavier than ever."

He added, "Continuing the achievements of the Lee Jae-myung administration and making tangible changes in life that the public can truly feel is the calling given to me," promising, "Just as each day is urgent for the people, each day at Cheong Wa Dae must also be urgent. I will do my utmost to change the exhausting days of our citizens."

With Chief Kang being replaced following former Director of National Policy Kim Yong-beom, National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lac is now the only one remaining among the 'three chiefs' appointed at the launch of the administration.

Kang said, "I carry with me the faith that the Lee Jae-myung administration will surely succeed," adding, "I ask that you continue to believe in and support us as always."

(Photo: Yonhap News)