President Yoon Suk-yeol appointed Kwon Ki-sub, the former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Employment and Labor, as the successor to Kim Moon-soo, chairman of the Economic and Social Labor Commission, as the Minister of Employment and Labor. He also appointed Park Sung-taek, Presidential Secretary for Industrial Policy, as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. President Yoon’s reshuffle process over the past month came to an end with these appointments.
The Presidential Office announced the nominations of Kwon Ki-sub, chairman of the Economic and Social Labor Commission, and Park Sung-taek, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, as well as Jung Kyung-jo, governor of Pyeonganam-do, Lee Se-woong, governor of Pyeongbuk-do, and Ji Sung-ho, governor of Hamgyeongbuk-do. Kwon Ki-sub, the incoming chairman who replaced former Chairman Kim, has served as a bureaucrat at the Ministry of Labor for 30 years and was the first Vice Minister of Labor in the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. The Presidential Office explained the selection background, stating that based on his extensive policy experience in the field of employment and labor, they expect him to explore alternative policies for sustainable economic and social development through dialogue with various stakeholders.
The appointment of Park Sung-taek as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Industry is seen as an extension of the strategy to enhance the government’s control over state affairs in the latter half of its term by deploying Yongsan Secretariat officials to various ministries. The Presidential Office described Park as fitting for the role, highlighting his ability to effectively promote national agenda items in the industrial sector, such as promoting exports and investment, strengthening capabilities in advanced industries, and establishing supply chains and economic security.
On the same day, President Yoon appointed governors of the five provinces belonging to the North Korean Special Committee of the Ministry of Public Administration and Security. North Korean defector Ji Sung-ho was appointed as governor of Hamgyeongbuk-do. Previously, in 2022, North Korean defector Cho Myung-cheol became the governor of Pyeonganam-do for the first time. The Presidential Office expressed expectations for Ji Sung-ho’s support for the stable settlement of North Korean defectors and the active exchange with North Korean residents, based on his experience as a member of the National Assembly.
Jung Kyung-jo, governor of Pyeonganam-do, is a retired lieutenant colonel who served as the vice commander of the Third Army of the Army, while Lee Se-woong, governor of Pyeongbuk-do, hails from North Pyeongju and previously served as the President of the Korean Red Cross Society.
Reporter Lee Seung-joon gamja@hani.co.kr
Summary:
President Yoon Suk-yeol appointed new officials in key government positions, including the Minister of Employment and Labor and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The reshuffle marks the completion of a month-long process. The appointments aim to enhance policy-making in the fields of employment, labor, and industrial development. Additionally, governors of provinces and North Korean defectors were appointed to support stability, settlement, and exchange efforts. These strategic appointments reflect a focus on sustainable economic and social development. The selected officials bring diverse experiences and expertise to address national agenda items effectively. President Yoon’s administration seeks to invigorate the economy and strengthen state affairs by deploying competent individuals in key government roles.\
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