Key Issues: Trade Negotiations, Doosan Allegations, and Energy Policy
Kim Stresses "National Interest and Integrity First"
Kim Jungkwan, nominee for Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, is answering questions at the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Trade, Industry, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises Committee on the 17th. 2025.7.17 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Kim Jungkwan, nominee for Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated on the 17th, "Trade negotiations with the United States aim to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. While we are working to protect sensitive items as much as possible, we are also technically reviewing these issues in consideration of international norms and industrial conditions."
At the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly's Trade, Industry, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises Committee that day, Kim addressed trade issues, saying, "I am fully aware of the sensitivities regarding the opening of agricultural and livestock markets, such as apples and rice. The negotiation team is also keeping this in mind and is consulting thoroughly with the relevant ministries." He added, "We will use this as an opportunity to strengthen the competitiveness of domestic industries through roadmaps for manufacturing cooperation and other initiatives."
He said, "During my time in public office, I vividly remember the difficulties experienced by not only farmers but also the livestock industry during the Uruguay Round negotiations. Since the issue of opening the agricultural market is directly linked to the livelihoods of farming households, I will approach this matter with caution and communicate closely with the relevant ministries."
In response to lawmakers' suggestions that the government has already accepted the opening of major items such as beef and rice, Kim replied, "That is not the case," and clarified, "At this point, it is difficult to predict which direction the negotiations will take." He continued, "Although a negotiation deadline of August 1 has been set, what is more important than the deadline itself is to prioritize and protect our national interests."
Regarding energy and industrial policy, Kim emphasized a localization strategy centered on offshore wind power, nuclear power, and RE100 industrial complexes. He said, "I was shocked to learn that domestic public enterprises prefer foreign equipment. I will establish institutional incentives to expand the application of domestic technology in the offshore wind power sector." He also announced plans to pursue the legalization of RE100 industrial complexes and energy new towns within this year.
He also clarified his position on nuclear power policy. Kim stated, "Nuclear power is increasingly important for energy price stabilization, achieving carbon neutrality, and global exports from an industrial perspective." He stressed that he would faithfully implement the 11th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand, which includes the construction of new nuclear power plants.
On this day, the opposition party People Power Party raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, citing Kim's background as a former CEO of Doosan Enerbility. When Kim Sungwon, a member of the People Power Party, referred to contracts worth about 9.8 trillion won signed between Doosan and the government and asked, "Were you involved in these projects?" Kim responded, "These projects were carried out based on the company's technological capabilities and competitiveness. I am well aware that I should not be involved in projects such as the decommissioning of the Kori Nuclear Power Plant." He added, "I will maintain fairness and integrity."
Regarding President Lee Jaemyung's campaign pledge to separate the energy function from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and establish a new Ministry of Climate and Energy, Kim said, "There is a need to consider this in terms of securing momentum for policy implementation." However, he added, "What is more important is to maintain the organically linked structure of industry and energy and to secure practical operational efficiency."
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