SEOUL, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun replaced his national security and defense advisers Friday, in the latest move to reshuffle his foreign policy team.
Roh named Kwon Chin-ho, a former deputy head of the National Intelligence Service, as his new adviser for national security, replacing Ra Jong-yil who had led the country's top national security body since Roh's inauguration in February last year.
Roh also replaced his adviser for national defense, Kim Hee-sang, with Yoon Kwang-ung, chairman of the Emergency Planning Commission.
The new national security adviser "expected to carry out his duties of assisting the president on national security affairs in light of his extensive expertise," Roh's office said.
The replacement of the key posts followed the appointment of a veteran diplomat Ban Ki-moon as foreign minister earlier this month.
Ban's predecessor, Yoon Young-kwan, stepped down over a controversy ignited by some of his ministry officials having criticized Roh's policy to seek an independent line with the United States.
