"Energy Expert" Moon Sunhak Appointed as First Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy... Will He Become the Key Man for South Jeolla's Energy Industry?

Appointment of Vice Minister of Industry Following Inauguration of Lee Jaemyung Administration
Significant Energy Policy Achievements in Previous Governments
High Expectations in South Jeolla for Renewable Energy Industry Development

Moon Sunhak, 1st Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy.

With the inauguration of President Lee Jaemyung, a notable number of individuals from the Honam region have been joining key ministries and the presidential office. Among these appointments, the selection of Moon Sunhak as the 1st Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy stands out even more.

Currently, South Jeolla Province is systematically fostering the "new energy industry" through the development of green hydrogen and blue hydrogen infrastructure, offshore wind-based renewable energy, smart power grids, ESS, a semiconductor cluster, and SW·AI convergence R&D, among other initiatives.

In particular, South Jeolla is emerging as the "energy capital" of South Korea, centered around offshore wind power. The province's offshore wind potential is 125GW, accounting for about 32% of the national total of 386.5GW.

Projects already underway include the Sinan 8.2GW complex, the first 96MW complex in Jaeundo, and the development of 30GW in areas such as Yeosu and Yeonggwang by 2035. Since these projects require massive funds and budgets, the role of a bridge between the central government and South Jeolla Province has become even more critical.

At his inauguration ceremony on June 11, Vice Minister Moon stated, "Climate and energy issues are among the most urgent matters that must be addressed and resolved." This remark underscores his strong commitment to advancing energy projects.

Having held key positions such as Director of Americas Cooperation, Director of the Gas Industry Division, Director of the Semiconductor and Display Division, Director of the Materials and Components Industry Division, Director General of Industrial Infrastructure, and Director General of Nuclear Power Industry Policy, Vice Minister Moon is expected to fully leverage his extensive experience in industrial and energy policy.

Major policies such as SK Group's acquisition of Hynix and the "Affordable Gas Station" project are largely attributed to him. During his tenure as Director of Corporate Cooperation, he established the concepts of "large, mid-sized, and small enterprises." In 2015, as Director of Nuclear Power Policy, he also demonstrated his decisive capabilities by smoothly resolving issues related to the construction of the Yeongdeok nuclear power plant in North Gyeongsang Province.

During the Moon Jaein administration, he distinguished himself as Director General of Nuclear Power Industry Policy amid the nuclear phase-out policy, and as head of the Energy Transition Public Communication Task Force, he contributed to increasing public acceptance. For South Jeolla Province, which is making an all-out effort in energy-related industries, it is no exaggeration to say that Vice Minister Moon is the most essential figure.

A local political figure commented, "With the Lee Jaemyung administration, there is significant interest in the appointment of people from the region. In particular, the role of Vice Minister Moon Sunhak is more important than ever from the region's perspective. The government's strong commitment to advancing energy industry policy means that South Jeolla, which is pouring all its resources into the energy sector, needs someone to serve as an intermediary."

The official added, "The previous administration thoroughly excluded Honam, which led to considerable feelings of marginalization. Naturally, there are high expectations for regional figures such as Vice Minister Moon Sunhak who have been appointed in the current administration."

Meanwhile, Vice Minister Moon, born in 1967 in Haenam, South Jeolla Province, graduated from Chosun University High School and the Department of Economics at Seoul National University. After passing the 38th Civil Service Examination, he entered public service and gained broad experience in industrial and energy policy through key positions at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, including Director of Americas Cooperation, Director of the Gas Industry Division, Director of the Materials and Components Industry Division, Director General of Industrial Infrastructure, and Director General of Nuclear Power Industry Policy.