Hwang Boyeon, Seoul City Economic Policy Director, 'Beautiful Retirement' Quietly Touches Hearts

Seoul City Climate and Environment Headquarters Director, Urban Transportation Office Director, Economic Policy Office Director?all key leadership positions?are held by a rare talent with proven skills, character, and leadership, trusted enough to be twice appointed by Mayor Oh Se-hoon as Chief of Staff, but who decided to retire at year-end, with juniors expecting even greater future roles.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Hwang Bo-yeon, Director of Economic Policy at Seoul City Hall, is a high-ranking (Grade 1) public official who possesses both great ability and character, admired by many junior colleagues within the city hall.

Alongside Kim Ui-seung, First Deputy Mayor for Administration, and Kim Seon-soon, Director of Women and Family Policy, Hwang, a representative of the 36th Administrative Examination cohort, is a rare executive recognized by Mayor Oh Se-hoon for his skills, leadership, and character, having been appointed twice as acting Chief of Staff.

It is reported that Hwang’s retirement at the end of the year has created an additional Grade 3 promotion opportunity, which has been warmly received.

Hwang recently conveyed his intention to step down at year-end to Mayor Oh, who, though reluctant to lose such a valuable talent, accepted his decision.

After graduating from Korea University with a degree in Public Administration and passing the Administrative Examination, Hwang continued his studies and earned a Ph.D. in Transportation Engineering from the University of Seoul, establishing himself as an expert in the transportation field.

Due to this expertise, Hwang has held leadership roles in three major departments known for their productivity: Head of the Climate and Environment Headquarters, Director of Urban Transportation, and Director of Economic Policy at Seoul City.

During his tenure as Director of Urban Transportation, he was renowned for introducing the world-class Smart Shelter, which provides protection from winter cold and summer heat while supporting telecommunications and other services.

Along with his capabilities, Hwang has demonstrated exemplary leadership by opening promotion paths for hardworking juniors, earning him many followers.

A Seoul City official stated, “It is regrettable that we have rarely seen a high-ranking official with the ability, character, and leadership like Director Hwang. We expect that good opportunities will open up for him in the future.”