Sung Yun-mo Leaving Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy: "Urgent Practical Response Needed for Digital Transformation, Carbon Neutrality, and New Trade Strategy"

Sung Yun-mo, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy. (File photo)

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] Sung Yoon-mo, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated on the 6th, "Systematic and practical responses to urgent issues such as COVID-19 response, promotion of the Korean New Deal, digital transformation, achieving carbon neutrality, and establishing a new trade and commerce strategy are urgently needed."

In his farewell address that day, Minister Sung said, "If you (the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy staff) do again what you have done so far, I firmly believe that not only will you respond to current issues, but you will also lead the development of the Korean economy," urging this.

Born in Daejeon and a graduate of Seoul National University’s Department of Economics, Minister Sung began his public service career in 1990 at the Small and Medium Business Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy’s predecessor, the Ministry of Industrial Resources. He later served as Director of Industrial Economic Policy at the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and as Policy Planning Officer at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. In 2016, he became Director of Economic Coordination at the Office for Government Policy Coordination, and in July 2017, he served as Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office under the new government. After receiving his appointment as Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy on September 21, 2018, he is stepping down after 2 years and 8 months in office.

During his tenure, Minister Sung self-assessed that he focused on the qualitative transformation of industry through digitalization, eco-friendliness, and high value-added processes; in the energy sector, he concentrated on establishing energy transition policies, promoting the Green New Deal, and preparing for carbon neutrality to lay the foundation for qualitative transformation of the energy structure. He emphasized, "Through COVID-19 sector-specific responses, mask supply management, spreading K-quarantine standards, implementing regulatory sandboxes, the Alchemist Project, innovation in the root industry, win-win job creation, industrial digital transformation, and the expansion of solidarity and cooperation, manufacturing has proven to be the main force in overcoming the economic crisis and driving economic growth," adding, "I believe our policies have created a new milestone in the qualitative transformation of Korea’s industrial, energy, and trade policies."

Finally, Minister Sung expressed gratitude and appreciation for the efforts of the staff who worked alongside him. He said, "During the past 2 years and 8 months, from morning till evening meetings, events, reports, and discussions, I have known how diligently and arduously you have prepared everything, yet I regret not having sufficiently acknowledged and expressed this," adding, "I am proud and thankful to have been a member of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. I will always wish for and support the Ministry’s development in the future."

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