Lee Tae-gyu, president of the Korea News Editors' Association

Lee Tae-gyu, 58, chief editorial writer of The Hankook Ilbo, has been elected president of the Korea News Editors' Association.

In the regular general assembly, held at the Korea Press Center in downtown Seoul, Tuesday, he became the 26th president through acclamation. His appointment awaits official approval from an upcoming temporary general assembly.

"Recent problems in journalism are intertwined with the changes in digital technology," he said during his inaugural address. "I will create opportunities to ponder media leadership in the digital age."

Lee added he would seek ways to expand support programs for regional media, which are necessary for the co-prosperity of regions, and vowed to strive for smooth communication and cooperation within the overall media industry as well as among association members.

Lee graduated from Korea University with a major in journalism, and joined The Hankook Ilbo as a reporter in 1993. He has served as a Washington correspondent, desk editor of the social and politics sections and chief editor of the newspaper. The Hankook Ilbo is the sister paper of The Korea Times.

The association, founded in 1957, consists of senior journalists from 62 media outlets throughout the country. It works toward cooperation between news companies and promotes freedom of the press.