Minister of Industry Candidate Moon Seung-wook... An Insider 'Industrial Policy Expert'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] Moon Seung-wook, nominated on the 16th as the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, is regarded as an 'industrial policy expert.' The Blue House's decision to appoint two consecutive traditional industrial bureaucrats, following Minister Sung Yun-mo and now Moon, reflects the intention to continue the role of the Ministry as an advanced base supporting the country's future industries such as carbon neutrality implementation, semiconductors, batteries, and electric vehicles. It is also interpreted as a move to maintain stable governance by favoring bureaucrats rather than politicians or outsiders in the latter half of the administration.

Moon began his public service career by passing the 33rd Administrative Examination and has held key positions including Director of Industrial Economic Policy Division, Director of SME Policy Division, Director of Industrial Infrastructure Office, and Director of Industrial Innovation Growth Office.

His connection with the current government dates back to the Participatory Government era. Moon worked in the Blue House's National Situation Room alongside Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do, and served as the Vice Governor for Economic Affairs of Gyeongsangnam-do, a political position, in July 2018. Since May 2020, he has served as the Second Vice Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, earning recognition for his policy coordination skills.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy welcomes Moon's nomination. An official from the ministry said, "Moon has a high understanding of the entire industry and is the right person to stably continue the industrial policies promoted by the previous minister, including materials, parts, and equipment (SoBuJang), hydrogen, and fostering future industries. He is fundamentally meticulous in his work and gentle with juniors, so many employees will welcome him once he takes office." His experience as Vice Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do is also seen as a strength. The official added, "He has a deep understanding of local industries and possesses ideas and capabilities to develop the regional economy and industries."

Moon faces numerous challenges, including implementing carbon neutrality, achieving self-reliance in materials, parts, and equipment, and strengthening support for our industries amid intensifying global competition over core industries such as semiconductors, batteries, and electric vehicles. He is also expected to focus on stabilizing the organizational atmosphere, which has been stagnant due to energy policies like 'nuclear phase-out,' and to successfully complete energy transition policies in the latter half of the administration.

▲ Seongdong High School, Seoul ▲ Yonsei University, Department of Economics ▲ Seoul National University, Master of Public Administration ▲ Harvard University, Master of Public Administration ▲ 33rd Administrative Examination ▲ Deputy Administrator of Defense Acquisition Program Administration ▲ Director of Industrial Innovation Growth Office, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy ▲ Vice Governor for Economic Affairs, Gyeongsangnam-do ▲ Second Vice Minister, Office for Government Policy Coordination (current)