Elite Athlete Appointed as Third Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism
"Improving Welfare for Athletes Facing Difficult Situations"
"Opening the Era of 30 Million Foreign Tourists"
“The spirit of fair play in the sports arena aligns with fairness and common sense. I will do my best to ensure that the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's national philosophy is realized in sports and tourism policies,” said Jang Mi-ran, the newly appointed 2nd Vice Minister responsible for sports and tourism policies at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. On the 29th, she expressed her gratitude to President Yoon Suk-yeol, who appointed her, and stated, “I will strive to properly communicate government policies to the public.”
Chairman Jang Mi-ran giving a lecture at Suwon Cheongmyeong High School [Photo by Jang Mi-ran Foundation]
Vice Minister Jang is a flagship figure in Korean sports, having achieved four consecutive victories (2005, 2006, 2007, 2009) at the World Weightlifting Championships from 2005 to 2009. She also won gold (2008 Beijing), silver (2004 Athens), and bronze (2012 London) medals at the Olympics. No other female weightlifter in the super heavyweight category (over 75kg at the time) has maintained the top position longer than she did during her short athletic career.
The 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism leads sports and tourism policies. The appointment of an elite athlete who has represented the national team is the third since Park Jong-gil (shooting) in 2013 and Choi Yoon-hee (swimming) in 2019. Vice Minister Jang said, “I feel a heavy sense of responsibility in taking on this important role as an athlete,” adding, “I will listen to the diverse opinions of athletes, coaches, and seniors and juniors, carefully examine the welfare of athletes facing difficult situations, and do my best to elevate the status of athletes.” She also promised, “I will contribute to creating an environment where the public can live healthier and happier lives through recreational sports.”
Vice Minister Jang also did not forget her determination to revive the tourism industry. “Taking advantage of the 2023-2024 Visit Korea Year, we will expand attractions and activities to attract many foreign tourists to our country,” she emphasized, “and I will contribute to achieving the goal of 30 million inbound tourists by 2027.”
Known as a “studious athlete” during her active career, Vice Minister Jang retired in January 2013. Since then, she has supported aspiring athletes through the Jang Mi-ran Foundation and taught students at Yong In University.
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