[Profile] Kang Hyungseok Appointed as Vice Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs: "Expertise in Agricultural Field"

Kang Hyungseok, who was appointed as the new Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on June 20, is regarded as a bureaucrat with expertise in the agricultural field.

Kang, the new Vice Minister, is originally from Geochang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, and graduated from Myungshin High School. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Korea University, a master's degree in Public Administration from Seoul National University, and a doctorate in Policy Studies from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom.

Kang Hyungseok, the newly appointed Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. (File photo)

Kang entered public service by passing the 38th Higher Civil Service Examination and has since served in various positions at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, including Director General for Agricultural Life Policy, Director General for Rural Policy, Director General for Planning and Coordination, and Director General for Agricultural Innovation Policy.

The Office of the President stated that Kang has demonstrated a high level of understanding and expertise in the agricultural field while handling a wide range of responsibilities. The office also noted that he is expected to play a key role in the transformation of the future agricultural industry, including the expansion of smart data agriculture and the export of K-Food. For these reasons, he was evaluated as the right person to implement the President's pledge to build a "sustainable rural community where people return."