Inauguration Ceremony of Environment Minister Kim Wan-seop on the 26th
Kim Wan-seop, Minister of Environment, is delivering an opening speech at the inauguration ceremony held on the 26th at the main auditorium of the Government Complex Sejong. Photo by Ministry of Environment Press Corps
Kim Wan-seop, the newly appointed Minister of Environment, said on the 26th, "Let us steadfastly uphold the foundation of environmental values." Amid the easing of various environmental regulations since the launch of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, Minister Kim's emphasis on protecting the environment rather than mentioning regulatory improvements has drawn attention.
In his inaugural speech at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, Minister Kim stated, "The fundamental mission of the Ministry of Environment is to create a healthy and pleasant environment to improve the quality of life for the people and promote sustainable growth," adding, "We will enhance ecological value through the conservation and balanced use of natural resources, as well as improve environmental risk factors that threaten public health, focusing on spaces closely related to people's daily lives."
In contrast, former Minister of Environment Han Hwa-jin proposed during her inauguration to "move away from command-and-control-centered regulations." Since then, regulations have been eased in various areas such as disposable products, transport packaging, and green belts. Unlike this, Minister Kim did not mention regulations at all during his inauguration.
Instead, he identified "creating a safe environment that the public can trust" as the Ministry of Environment's top policy direction. Minister Kim explained, "The highest priority of environmental policy is to protect the safety and lives of the people," emphasizing, "In particular, the climate and environmental crises cause greater suffering to socially and economically vulnerable groups." He further elaborated, "Under the belief that there is no such thing as excess in safety responses, we will strengthen the climate crisis adaptation system against floods, droughts, heatwaves, and more."
Minister Kim also stated, "Let us create future growth engines for the Republic of Korea based on the solid implementation of carbon neutrality," noting, "In the era of the climate crisis, the carbon-neutral transition of social and economic structures has become a necessity, not a choice." Regarding Korea's announced 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for greenhouse gas reduction, he pledged responsible implementation and promised that the 2035 NDC would be "rationally prepared based on science and technology."
Addressing the Ministry of Environment staff, he humbly said, "I will approach this with a learning attitude." Having served as the 2nd Vice Minister of Strategy and Finance and gained experience in finance and budgeting, he expressed his intention to listen to the opinions of the staff. Minister Kim said, "You are the top experts in the field of environmental policy," and urged, "Lead me with your expertise and passion for your work."
Minister Kim also indicated his intention to establish a free dress code and a flexible, horizontal organizational culture within the Ministry of Environment. As part of building a relaxed atmosphere, the inauguration ceremony was held in a standing format without chairs in the auditorium. On stage, Minister Kim was seen reading his inaugural remarks dressed in a shirt and tie, saying, "I will take off my jacket first." He emphasized, "Communication is essential both inside and outside the organization," and stressed, "We must do so for the people." He added, "(I also) like horizontal communication. If you have something to say, just message me. It's okay even if you do it when you're bored."
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