Ex-presidential secretary resigns from top position at KOCCA

Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) CEO Hong Sang-pyo said he would resign four months before his term ends, drawing public attention.

According to the agency and the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Ministry, Hong expressed his intention to resign in the agency`s management strategy meeting on Monday morning. “I delivered my message to resign to the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Ministry to help nominating my successor,” he said. “Once my successor is determined, I will step down even before my term ends. Until then, I will do my best to fulfill my duties.” His term ends in March next year.

As it generally takes about two months to select a CEO, Hong is likely to stay until January next year. Some in KOCCA say that Hong was forced to resign as the next leader is already selected. “Rumor had it that there would be a change because (the presidential office) has someone to take care of,” a KOCCA source said. “Some say that the new leader can serve three years until the Park administration ends only when the incumbent CEO resigns in January next year.”

“Hong expressed his intention to resign first and we accepted it,” a source from the Culture, Sports and, Tourism Ministry said. “Our understanding is that Hong said he would resign as the positions whose term ended or remain empty are filled with the inauguration of new Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kim Jong-deok.”

Hong, who served as a senior presidential press secretary under the former Lee Myung-bak administration, became KOCCA’s head in March 2012. His nomination stirred controversy over parachute appointment or revolving-door appointment. Hong said in a telephone interview with the Dong-A Ilbo on Monday, “I have nothing to say except for what I said in the management meeting today.”