President Lee Jae-myung Appoints Five Senior Bureaucrats in High-Profile Shake-Up

President Lee Jae-myung announced the appointment of five new vice-ministerial level officials across various government departments on the 20th, underscoring a strategy focused on experienced bureaucrats.

Kim Nam-jung, former full-time representative for inter-Korean talks at the Ministry of Unification, was selected as the new Vice Minister of Unification. With over 30 years of service, Kim is regarded as a living history of the ministry. He is respected among ministry staff as a civil servant to emulate, having gained extensive experience in policy coordination and frontline work such as inter-Korean exchanges and summits.

Kim Min-jae was appointed Vice Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Having served as Director-General of Local Administration Policy, Director of Planning and Coordination, and Assistant Vice Minister, Kim is expected to spearhead balanced regional development and decentralization policies, drawing upon a long-standing career in local government affairs.

Kang Hyung-seok was named Vice Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Kang has managed key roles such as Director of Rural Policy and Director-General of Agricultural Innovation Policy, overseeing a range of fieldwork. He is expected to play a crucial part in the expansion of smart agriculture and K-food exports, helping realize sustainable rural and fishing communities that attract people back to the countryside.

For the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Kim Sung-bum was appointed as Vice Minister. He previously held various senior posts, including Director-General for Maritime Policy, Director of Ports, and has for 11 years been chairman of the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (IOPC) Supplementary Fund, earning high praise for his international cooperation and communication skills.

Lastly, Kim Kwang-yong will head the Disaster and Safety Headquarters at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. With experience as Director of Safety Planning, Director-General of Disaster Response Policy, and Chief of the Natural Disasters Division, Kim has developed deep expertise in disaster management. He has also demonstrated strong media relations as a spokesperson, and is expected to play a central role in ensuring public safety.

Commenting on the new appointments, Presidential Office Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung said, "We have placed skilled professionals at the forefront so each ministry can deliver rapid and tangible results. The Lee Jae-myung administration will continue to provide a sense of efficacy to the public by appointing competent officials to the right positions."

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo = Korea Policy Briefing, Yonhap News Agency

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