[Gwan-ga in] Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yoonchul Reassures Junior Staff: "We Will Strengthen Ministry Functions"

Deputy Prime Minister Holds Meeting with Junior Staff on November 3
Mentions Staff Incentives and Possibility of External MOUs
Shares Thoughts on Personnel Exchange with the Ministry of Planning and Budget
"We Will Foster a Ministry That Inspires Pride"

Koo Yoonchul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, recently took time to communicate with junior staff members at the Ministry of Economy and Finance. This meeting was arranged to directly explain the direction of organizational structure and personnel management after internal unrest persisted following the government’s announcement of a reorganization plan. Deputy Prime Minister Koo expressed his apologies to employees who were disheartened by the restructuring process, saying, "I am sorry." He also stated, "We will strengthen our financial functions and further reinforce the ministry’s role as a deputy prime ministerial department."

Koo Yoonchul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance.

On November 3, Deputy Prime Minister Koo held a meeting at the Government Complex Sejong with junior officials, including assistant directors and administrative officers. In addition to Deputy Prime Minister Koo, the meeting was attended by Lee Hyungil, First Vice Minister of Economy and Finance, and Hwang Soonkwan, Director General for Planning and Coordination. As the ministry is set to be split into the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Ministry of Planning and Budget from next year, it is known that the majority of attendees were junior staff members who will be assigned to the Ministry of Finance and Economy.

This meeting was organized because dissatisfaction among staff had not subsided after the finalization of the restructuring plan, which will separate the budget function without transferring financial policy authority. Although Vice Minister Lee held a staff meeting in September to address the unrest, discontent continued to be voiced on the ministry’s anonymous internal bulletin board, “Empathy Communication.” As a result, Deputy Prime Minister Koo decided to meet directly with employees this time.

During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Koo provided a comprehensive explanation of the direction for personnel and organizational management. He proposed not only incorporating the ideas of junior staff into personnel decisions and offering incentives such as opportunities for studying abroad, but also strengthening overall communication. He also hinted at the possibility of expanding work related to economic security and follow-up support for investments in the United States, as well as signing MOUs with affiliated organizations to enhance research and analysis.

Deputy Prime Minister Koo also shared his thoughts on the personnel exchange system with the Ministry of Planning and Budget, a topic of great interest among staff. He said, "Basically, the principle is to proceed as things currently stand. If you are currently working in the Budget Office and the Budget Office is moving, then you move with it." Regarding the personnel exchange, he explained, "For example, if five people want to move from the Ministry of Planning and Budget to the Ministry of Finance and Economy and five from the Ministry of Finance and Economy want to move to the Ministry of Planning and Budget, it can be easily confirmed."

He commented that it is inappropriate for junior staff to prefer only the most popular departments. He said, "If a certain division exists within the ministry, it was created for a reason." He added, "As an assistant director, it is beneficial to experience various departments evenly, as this helps you develop your own areas of interest and establish a 'point of impact'-the place where a bullet first lands after being fired from a gun."

Deputy Prime Minister Koo also encouraged staff members who were disheartened by the restructuring process, saying, "Do not be discouraged; you must stay strong." He continued, "During the restructuring process, we did our best to defend our position, but due to various circumstances, we were unable to do so in some respects. I am sorry for that." He also emphasized, "I will ensure that the ministry is run in a way that fosters pride and self-esteem among its members."