[Profile] Ryu Jemyung Appointed as 2nd Vice Minister of Science and ICT...Policy Expert with Extensive Experience in ICT and AI

Ryu Jemyung, who was appointed as the 2nd Vice Minister of Science and ICT on June 29, is an administrative expert with extensive experience in both traditional information and communication technology (ICT) fields such as broadcasting and telecommunications, as well as in artificial intelligence (AI).

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Born in Goheung, South Jeolla Province, Ryu graduated from Seogang High School in Gwangju and earned a degree in political science from Seoul National University. He also holds a master's degree in information systems management from Carnegie Mellon University in the United States. He entered public service through the 37th civil service examination and has held key ICT-related positions, including Director of the Telecommunications Usage System Division and Director of the Software Policy Division at the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, as well as Director General of the Radio Policy Bureau and Director General of the Information and Communication Industry Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Science and ICT.

He served in the Blue House during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, and was the Head of the Technology Policy Team in the Broadcasting and Communications Convergence Policy Office and Head of the Legal Affairs Team in the Regulatory Reform and Legal Affairs Office at the Korea Communications Commission. He has international experience as a Counsellor at the Permanent Delegation to the OECD and as a dispatched officer to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). In 2021, as Director General for AI-based Policy at the Ministry of Science and ICT, he was responsible for early AI development efforts. Later, under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, he served as Head of the Digital Platform Government Committee, directly under the President, laying the foundation for integrating AI into administrative work.

He is recognized for his gentle personality and excellent communication skills. He is also known for his long-term commitment to practices such as yoga and prostration exercises.

Amid calls for a shift in the role of ICT authorities, Ryu has been highlighted as a key figure to oversee the overall governance of AI, combining traditional ICT fields such as networks and security. Kang Yoojung, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, stated, "With Baek Kyunghoon, the Minister of Science and ICT nominee from the private sector, and Ha Jungwoo, the Chief of AI Future Planning, he is the right person to work in tandem on AI policy and to stably lead key issues across ministries," adding, "He is especially expected to actively build the foundation for Korea to become one of the top three AI powerhouses."

Yonhap News

▲Born in Goheung, South Jeolla Province (age 56) ▲Seogang High School in Gwangju ▲Political Science, Seoul National University ▲Master's, Carnegie Mellon University, USA ▲37th Civil Service Examination ▲Administrative Officer, Presidential Secretariat Personnel Affairs Office ▲Counsellor, Permanent Delegation to the OECD ▲Head of Legal Affairs Team, Regulatory Reform and Legal Affairs Office, Korea Communications Commission ▲Director of Regulatory Reform and Legal Affairs, Planning and Coordination Office, Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning ▲Director General of Radio Policy, Director General of Information and Communication Industry Policy, Director General for AI-based Policy, Director General of Network Policy, Ministry of Science and ICT ▲Head of the Digital Platform Government Committee, directly under the President