"Increase Manufacturing Productivity
and Discover Future Growth Engines"
Moon Sinhak, who has returned to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy as the First Vice Minister after more than five years, emphasized that "the core vision of the new government is 'growth,' and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy must play a key role in achieving this."
In his inauguration speech on June 11, Vice Minister Moon stated, "We must improve the productivity of the manufacturing sector and discover new future growth engines by enhancing the industrial structure, including the spread of industrial AI. Aggressive and creative strategies are needed to respond to the disruptive industrial policies of competing countries."
Regarding the recent discussions about the establishment of the Ministry of Climate and Energy, which has drawn attention in connection with the government reorganization, Vice Minister Moon said, "Climate and energy issues are core challenges that must be urgently addressed, and fostering energy as a new growth industry is part of the President's campaign pledge." He added, "Since these issues are inevitably closely linked to industrial and trade policies, I will actively consult with the National Policy Planning Committee and the Minister."
Assessing the current industrial and trade environment, he said, "In a situation where international political and economic uncertainties are increasing, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy faces a host of urgent tasks that must be addressed. The next five years represent the final opportunity to fundamentally transform our economy, which is facing a serious crisis."
Regarding his return, he said, "After going through detention, indictment, a guilty verdict in the first trial, and acquittal by the Supreme Court, I have returned to my position and now to the post of Vice Minister." He continued, "The President has also emphasized that diligent and hardworking public officials should not be harmed. I believe this means I still have duties to fulfill for the country." He added, "I will approach this with the determination that this is the final duty of my life."
Vice Minister Moon graduated from the Department of Economics at Seoul National University and entered public service through the 38th Higher Civil Service Examination. He has served as Director of the Semiconductor and Display Division, Director of Nuclear Power Industry Policy, Policy Advisor to the Minister, and Spokesperson at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. During the Moon Jae-in administration, he led the Energy Transition Public Communication Task Force and served as Director of Nuclear Power Industry Policy, promoting the nuclear phase-out policy.
In 2020, he was investigated by prosecutors over the deletion of documents related to the Wolseong Unit 1 case and was convicted in the first trial, but was acquitted on appeal and by the Supreme Court.
On the previous day, Kang Yoojeong, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, described Vice Minister Moon as "an energy expert with experience in oil, gas, and nuclear power," and said, "He is the right person to oversee the energy industry and lead its future transition at a time when the industrial impact of energy, including responses to RE100 (100% renewable energy), is growing."
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