Cho Hyang-hyun Appointed as the 15th President of the Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled announced on the 2nd that Jo Hyang-hyun, former chairman of the Korea Employment Security Association for the Disabled Central Committee, has been appointed as the 15th chairman.

Chairman Jo held an inauguration ceremony at the agency's headquarters located in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, and began his duties. His term lasts until March 1, 2024.

Chairman Jo previously served in the Rehabilitation Support Division of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, as head of the Disability Culture and Sports Division at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, director of the Icheon Training Center of the Korea Paralympic Committee, chairman of the Korea Employment Security Association for the Disabled Central Committee, and executive director of the social welfare corporation SRC (formerly Samyuk Rehabilitation Center).

He is recognized for contributing to the enhancement of disability rights by mandating sign language broadcasting for the hearing- and speech-impaired in TV programs and formulating policies to guarantee accessibility facilities and mobility rights for the disabled.

During his tenure as chairman of the Employment Security Association for the Disabled Central Committee, he also helped establish legal grounds to support disability employment, raise awareness, and assist local governments in hosting disability skills competitions.

The Korea Employment Agency for the Disabled explained that Chairman Jo is regarded as the right person to advance disability employment policies based on his administrative experience and frontline fieldwork.

He stated, "As a specialized institution for disability employment, the agency will play a leading role in revitalizing the disability employment market, which has been contracted due to COVID-19, and I will do my best to make our country a happy society where people work together with the disabled."