Im Hye-sook, the 'Youngest Ever' and 'First Ever' Female Chairperson of the National Science and Technology Council

President Moon Jae-in Appoints Seoul National University Economics Professor Lee Geun as Vice Chair of the National Economic Advisory Council

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Professor Lim Hye-sook of the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Ewha Womans University has been appointed as the youngest ever and the first female chairperson representing 25 government-funded research institutes in the fields of science and technology. Professor Lee Geun of the Department of Economics at Seoul National University has been appointed as the vice-chairperson of the National Economic Advisory Council.

Kang Min-seok, spokesperson for the Blue House, announced on the 19th, "President Moon Jae-in today appointed Professor Lee Geun of the Department of Economics at Seoul National University as vice-chairperson of the National Economic Advisory Council, and Professor Lim Hye-sook of the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Ewha Womans University as chairperson of the National Research Council of Science & Technology."

Im Hye-sook, Chairperson of the National Research Council of Science and Technology.
[Photo by Cheong Wa Dae]

Lim Hye-sook, the new chairperson of the National Research Council of Science & Technology, is the youngest and first female chairperson in the history of the council, which represents 25 government-funded research institutes in the science and technology sector.

Spokesperson Kang said, "As a scholar who has distinguished herself in the core technology field of ultra-high-speed communication networks, she has demonstrated outstanding research achievements and has pioneered new paths as a female engineer, including serving as the first female president of the Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers. We expect her passionate attitude, fresh perspective, and communication skills to contribute to supporting public safety and improving quality of life through science and technology in the era of 100 trillion won R&D investment."

Lee Geun, the new vice-chairperson of the National Economic Advisory Council, is a professor at the Department of Economics at Seoul National University and an expert in the field of innovation economics, who has devoted himself to active research and nurturing future scholars.

Lee Geun, Vice Chairman of the National Economic Advisory Council.
[Photo by Cheong Wa Dae]

Spokesperson Kang added, "He has been recognized globally in the field of economic development theory, including receiving the prestigious Schumpeter Award in economics."

Spokesperson Kang also said, "Based on his broad understanding of the overall economy and balanced insight gained from serving as a member of the National Economic Advisory Council, we expect him to contribute to overcoming the difficult economic situation caused by COVID-19 and to realizing a ‘fast and strong economic recovery’ and a ‘major transition to a leading economy.’"