[Person of the Year - Economy] Hong Nam-ki, Yoon Seok-heon, Son Tae-seung

2020. Just like any other year, 365 days passed by. What were the events that left a mark on our society and history over the past year? South Korea was no exception to the unexpected variable of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) that swept across the world. Korean society, which had already been 'dynamic' and turbulent, showed an even more complex and multifaceted appearance due to COVID-19. The editorial team of Asia Economy carefully selected the most influential figures of 2020 by field, whom our society cannot help but remember or must remember.

Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister of Economy

Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister for Economy and Minister of Strategy and Finance

Leading the formulation of the fourth supplementary budget (추경) in 59 years, he took the lead in managing the COVID-19 crisis. Facing the triple hardships of economy, quarantine, and fiscal soundness, as well as an incident where his policies were hindered in the war against real estate, he would want to see 2020 end sooner than anyone else.

Yoon Seok-heon, Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service

Yoon Seok-heon, Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service

Yoon Seok-heon, Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service, declared that he would even wage war against financial companies to protect consumers. He cited the Lime and Optimus private equity fund scandals as the most memorable events of the year and is conducting a full investigation into private equity funds and asset management companies. In particular, he is accelerating the 'independence of the Financial Supervisory Service' movement. He plans to complete a blueprint by the end of his term in May next year to finish strong.

Son Tae-seung, Chairman of Woori Financial Group

Son Tae-seung, President of Woori Bank [Photo by Yonhap News]

Son Tae-seung, Chairman of Woori Financial Group, faced uncertainty over retaining his position due to the Financial Supervisory Service's heavy disciplinary action (warning) related to the overseas interest rate-linked derivative-linked fund (DLF) scandal at the beginning of the year, but succeeded in reappointment after the court accepted his request for suspension of the disciplinary action. Chairman Son is currently filing a main lawsuit against the Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service to cancel the disciplinary action.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.