First Director-Level Appointments After Launch of Ministry of Economy and Finance... Significant Increase in Directors Born in the 1980s and Female Directors

Number of Directors Born in the 1980s Increases from 17 to 24
Proportion of Female Directors Rises from 24.4% to 30.6%

The Ministry of Economy and Finance carried out its first round of appointments at the director level on January 2, coinciding with the official launch of the new ministry. With the establishment of a new organization that encompasses both economic policy and fiscal functions, this round of appointments is seen as a clear demonstration of the ministry’s commitment to organizational stability, generational change, and a competency-based personnel policy to ensure the smooth implementation of national policy tasks from the outset. Notably, there was a marked increase in directors born in the 1980s and in female directors.

The Ministry stated that the appointments focused on bringing in talented individuals with both expertise and experience, aiming to drive organizational change and innovation. In line with the restructuring and creation of new departments, the Ministry prioritized assigning directors to key newly established divisions. Directors were appointed to a total of 17 reorganized or newly created departments, with a focus on the Office for Innovation and Growth and the Treasury Office.

As a result, the number of directors born in the 1980s increased from 17 last year to 24 this year. In particular, Yu Yerim, born in 1986, was appointed as Director of the Strategic Investment Support Division, symbolizing the generational shift by taking on a director role in her 30s. The Ministry explained that it aimed to inject innovation and vitality into the new organization by assigning young and talented personnel to key director positions.

Government Sejong Complex Central Building Panorama

Significant changes were also seen in terms of seniority. For the first time, a director from the 47th class of the Higher Civil Service Examination was appointed to a general manager position, and 17 individuals, accounting for about 20% of all directors, were assigned to director roles for the first time, including members of the 53rd class. Lim Hyeyoung, Director General for Civil Economy, and Hwang Kyungim, Director General for Strategic Economy, both from the 47th class, were appointed as general managers, while Kim Hyunyoung (Green Transition Economy Division), Choi Jeongbin (Pension and Health Economy Division), and Bae Kyunghwa (Multilateral Finance Division), all from the 53rd class, were also selected as directors.

The expansion of the proportion of female directors is also considered a key aspect of this round of appointments. The proportion of female directors rose significantly from 24.4% last year to 30.6% this year. The Ministry stated that, in order to enhance organizational productivity, appointments were made based on performance and competency, regardless of gender or career background. Outstanding performers such as Choi Jiyoung (46th class), Director General for International Economy, and Park Eonyeong (49th class), Director of Capital Market Analysis, were assigned to major positions.

Directors recruited through the career competitive selection process were also appointed. Park Hyesu (Special 50th class), Director of Talent Management, and Koo Kyoeun (Special 52nd class), Director of Economic Cooperation, were given director roles to strengthen the organization’s expertise and ensure balanced competencies.

This round of appointments included transfers and new appointments at the director level across a wide range of areas, including innovation policy, supply chain policy, supply chain response, taxation, fiscal affairs, finance, trade, and international economy. Directors were also assigned to newly established departments such as the Government Bond Market Division and the National Property Development Division, with a focus on establishing fiscal and treasury functions at an early stage.

The Ministry stated, “Based on these director-level appointments, we plan to operate the organization stably and carry out major national policy tasks, such as the recovery of the real economy and the transition to a super-innovative leading economy, without disruption.”