An Industry Policy Expert from Within... Former Deputy Governor for Economy of Gyeongsangnam-do and Second Vice Minister of State Affairs
[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 industry bureaucrats, following Minister Sung Yun-mo, reflects a determination to steadily implement industrial innovation policies addressing key industry issues such as carbon neutrality implementation, support for future national industries, and responses to industrial structural changes after COVID-19. It is also interpreted as an intention 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. He has more experience in the industrial sector than in energy.
His connection with the current government dates back to the Roh Moo-hyun administration. Moon worked in the Blue House's National Situation Room alongside Kim Kyung-soo, Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do, and served as the political appointee Deputy Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do in July 2018. Since May 2020, he has served as the Second Deputy Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, earning recognition for his policy coordination skills.
Moon expressed, "I feel a heavy responsibility being nominated as the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy amid difficult economic conditions and structural changes in the global economy. I will do my best for the rapid and strong recovery of our economy and its leap toward a leading economy."
He especially pledged to strive for the success of the Moon Jae-in administration's policies. He stated, "I will steadily promote the 'Korean New Deal' for the future and new growth engines such as next-generation industries to bear fruit. I will also establish tasks that transform the Korean economy, including energy transition and carbon neutrality response," emphasizing, "I will work to raise the competitiveness of industries through active responses to changes in the trade environment and revitalization of exports."
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 industrial policies promoted by the previous minister, such as 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 when he enters the field."
His experience as Deputy Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do is also considered a strength. The ministry official added, "Moon often mentions that serving as Deputy Governor helped him gain experience in various fields and broaden his perspective. His ability to envision the big picture and coordinate policies, developed through his roles as Deputy Governor and Second Deputy Minister, will shine again upon his return to the ministry." Another official evaluated, "He has a high understanding of local industries and possesses ideas and capabilities to develop the regional economy and industries."
A Blue House official stated, "As an expert in the real economy who has served in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy across industry, trade, and energy sectors, and as Second Deputy Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, Moon has experience in smoothly coordinating various issues in industry, economy, and society based on excellent policy planning and coordination skills. He will greatly contribute to realizing an industrial powerhouse leading the global economy by actively responding to major issues such as industrial structural changes in the COVID-19 era, trade index restructuring, carbon neutrality, and energy transition."
Moon faces numerous challenges, including implementing carbon neutrality, achieving self-reliance in materials, parts, and equipment, and strengthening support for the industry amid intensifying global competition over key sectors such as semiconductors, batteries, and electric vehicles. He is also expected to restore morale in the organization, which has been affected by energy policies like 'nuclear phase-out,' and to focus on stabilizing energy transition policies in the latter half of the administration.
▲Seoul Seongdong High School ▲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 ▲Deputy Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do ▲Second Deputy Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination (current)
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