President Lee Appoints Heo Jang as Second Vice Minister of Economy and Finance, Oh Taeseok as Head of Aerospace Administration

Kim Jwakan Appointed as Chairman of the National Water Management Committee
Singer Kim Wonjung Named Chairman of the Asia Culture Center City Development Committee

On February 2, President Lee Jaemyung appointed Heo Jang, Chairman of the ESG Committee at the Export-Import Bank of Korea, as the Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, and O Taeseok, President of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning, as Administrator of the Space Aviation Agency. Kim Jwakan, Distinguished Professor at Busan Catholic University, was appointed as Chairman of the National Water Management Committee, and singer Kim Wonjung was appointed as Chairman of the Asia Culture Center City Development Committee.

Heo Jang, newly appointed Second Vice Minister of the Ministry of Finance and Economy (Photo by Cheongwadae)

At a press briefing at the Chunchugwan, Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for Cheongwadae, introduced Vice Minister Heo as a career economic official from the Ministry of Finance and Economy, an expert in international finance and external economic policy who previously served as Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Director-General for International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Economy and Finance. She stated, "With his experience and network in international economic affairs, he is the right person to oversee international economic and treasury management as Second Vice Minister."

She added, "In particular, we expect him to formulate and implement economic policies that will ensure stable management of exports and foreign exchange rates, and further advance our economy."

O Taeseok, New Administrator of the Space Aviation Agency (Photo by Cheongwadae)

O Taeseok was appointed as Administrator of the Space Aviation Agency. Spokesperson Kang described Administrator O as a seasoned administrative official who has worked across key areas of science and technology policy for 30 years. She noted, "During his tenure as First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, he successfully led the launch of the Nuri rocket as Launch Management Committee Chair. With his deep understanding of aerospace technology, industry, and the agency's organization, as well as his expertise in science and technology policy, he will lead Korea to become a powerhouse in the aerospace sector."

Kim Jwakan, Chairman of the National Water Management Committee (Photo by Cheongwadae)

Kim Jwakan was appointed as Chairman of the National Water Management Committee, a position equivalent to Prime Minister. Chairman Kim has been active in the fields of water resources and environment, and has served as a member of the National Water Management Committee and as Chairman of the Board at Korea Electric Power Corporation. Spokesperson Kang stated, "As an expert in water resources and the environment, he has led environmental movements in the field for over 30 years and has extensive experience advising both central and local governments on policy. He will strengthen Korea's capacity to respond to the climate crisis and will provide balanced solutions to pressing issues such as resolving regional water conflicts and restoring the Four Major Rivers to their natural state."

Kim Wonjung, Chairman of the Asia Culture Center City Development Committee (Photo by Cheongwadae)

Singer Kim Wonjung was appointed as Chairman of the Asia Culture Center City Development Committee, a position equivalent to ministerial rank. Spokesperson Kang explained, "He is a familiar figure to the public, well known for songs such as 'Rock Island,' which reflects the pain of the May 18 Democratization Movement, and 'To Jiknyeo,' which expresses the nation's longing for reunification." She added, "As a cultural and artistic figure from Damyang, Jeollanam-do, currently residing in Gwangju, he is expected to make significant contributions to developing Gwangju as the center of Asian culture and as a hub of K-democracy."