Kim Jaerok, New President of the Architects Association, "Will Strive for Architects' Economic Stability"

Inauguration of the 34th President of the Architects Association, 3-Year Term

Kim Jaerok, the newly appointed president of the Korea Institute of Registered Architects, promised economic stability for architects and the establishment of a fair architectural ecosystem.

Kim Jae-rok, the newly appointed president of the Korea Institute of Registered Architects, is speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the 34th president of the Korea Institute of Registered Architects held on the 5th at the Architects Association Hall in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kwon Hyun-ji

At the inauguration ceremony of the 34th president of the Korea Institute of Registered Architects held on the 5th at the Architects Hall in Seocho-gu, Seoul, President Kim stated, “The top priority of the institute is to be reborn with a new image,” adding, “We will establish a new system suitable for the era of 18,000 members to operate the institute’s organization efficiently and fairly.” He emphasized, “We will focus all our capabilities on enhancing the economic stability and social status of architects and creating a just architectural ecosystem.”

To this end, President Kim announced plans to pursue during his term the establishment of a spokesperson position for the institute, expansion of the functions of the Architectural Research Institute, legislation of private sector fee standards, introduction of an architectural work performance reporting system and pension system, expansion of the scope of work for sole architects, and improvement of unreasonable laws and systems to protect members’ rights and interests.

President Kim stressed, “We will revise the articles of association and ethical regulations, which form the foundation of the institute’s organization and operation, to revitalize regional architectural societies and strive to become a socially recognized institute.”

Born in 1959, President Kim graduated from Konkuk University with a degree in Architectural Engineering and is currently serving as CEO of Cheonggu Architects Office. He has held positions such as president of the Seoul Architects Association, vice president of the Korea Institute of Registered Architects, chairman of the Architectural Registration Committee, and head of external cooperation for the Korea Institute of Registered Architects.

President Kim was elected with 41.25% of the vote (5,755 votes out of 13,950) in the election for the 34th president of the Korea Institute of Registered Architects held over two days from January 17 to 18. His term is three years.