President Lee Appoints Vice Minister-Level Officials: Daejang-dong Attorney Jo Woncheol Named Chief of Legislative Office, Hong Soyoung Becomes First Female Military Manpower Commissioner

President Lee Jae Myung Appoints 12 New Vice Minister-Level Officials
Spokesperson: "Chief Jo Expected to Faithfully Implement Policy Pledges"

The Presidential Office announced through a briefing by presidential spokesperson Kang Yujeong that President Lee Jae-myung made additional appointments at the vice ministerial level on the 13th.

From the top row, left to right: Choi Eunok, Vice Minister of Education; Koo Hyukchae, 1st Vice Minister of Science and ICT; Park Ingyu, Director of the Science and Technology Innovation Headquarters at the Ministry of Science and ICT; Kang Yunjin, Vice Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs; Kang Heeup, 2nd Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport; Noh Yongseok, Vice Minister of SMEs and Startups.

From the bottom row, left to right: Jo Woncheol, Chief of the Legislative Office; Lee Myunggu, Commissioner of the Korea Customs Service; Hong Soyoung, Commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration; Heo Min, Commissioner of the National Heritage Administration; Lim Seungkwan, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency; Kang Juyeop, Commissioner of the Happy City Construction Agency.

Yonhap News

On the 13th, President Lee Jae Myung appointed 12 new vice minister-level officials, including Jo Woncheol as the new Chief of the Legislative Office.

Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, announced these appointments at the Presidential Office on the same day.

Jo Woncheol previously served as President Lee's legal counsel during the Daejang-dong case. He has held positions such as Research Judge at the Supreme Court, Chief Judge at the Seoul Western District Court, and Head of the Goyang Branch of the Uijeongbu District Court, and is currently working as a lawyer.

Regarding concerns about a potential conflict of interest, spokesperson Kang stated, "He was appointed in recognition of his 26 years of experience as a judge and lawyer," and added, "We determined that he would be able to faithfully implement the new administration's policy pledges." Kang further explained, "Given his high level of legal expertise, it is expected that he will well reflect President Lee's intention to create a proactive, law-driven government through active legal interpretation."

Hong Soyoung, former head of the Daejeon-Chungnam Regional Military Manpower Administration, was appointed as the new Commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration. This is the first time a woman has been appointed to this position. Spokesperson Kang described her as "the right person to create a military culture that earns public empathy and trust through careful consideration and fair administration of military service."

Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, is announcing the additional appointment of vice minister-level officials for President Lee Jae Myung at the Presidential Office building in Yongsan, Seoul on the 13th. Photo by Yonhap News

Choi Eunok, former Director-General for Higher Education Policy at the Ministry of Education, was appointed as Vice Minister of Education. Spokesperson Kang introduced her as "a career official at the Ministry of Education who has been highly regarded for leading the development of regional universities and educational innovation."

Koo Hyukchae, the current Director-General for Planning and Coordination at the Ministry of Science and ICT, was appointed as the 1st Vice Minister of Science and ICT. Spokesperson Kang noted, "He is an official who has devoted great effort to popularizing science and fostering talent." Park Ingyu, Distinguished Professor of Physics at the University of Seoul, was appointed as Director of the Science and Technology Innovation Headquarters at the Ministry of Science and ICT. Kang stated, "He is expected to contribute to creating an environment where scientists can focus solely on research."

Kang Yunjin, the current Director for Veterans Affairs Organizations Cooperation, was selected as Vice Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. According to spokesperson Kang, Kang Yunjin was the first woman to be promoted to the ranks of director and director-general at the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, and has been recognized for her communication skills.

Kang Heeup, Chairperson of the Metropolitan Area Transportation Committee, was appointed as the 2nd Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Spokesperson Kang introduced him as "an acknowledged expert in both traditional transportation systems and future mobility."

Noh Yongseok, Director-General for SME Policy at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, was appointed as Vice Minister of SMEs and Startups. Kang emphasized, "He is expected to support President Lee's vision of ushering in an era of 100 unicorn companies."

Lee Myunggu, current Deputy Commissioner, was appointed as Commissioner of the Korea Customs Service, while Heo Min, professor at Chonnam National University, was nominated as Commissioner of the National Heritage Administration. President Lee also appointed Lim Seungkwan, head of the Central Infectious Disease Hospital Establishment Task Force at the National Medical Center, as Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and Kang Juyeop, current Deputy Commissioner, as Commissioner of the Happy City Construction Agency.