Yoon Administration's Foundation for the Real Economy to Be Led by Professor Lee Chang-yang

Economic Subcommittee 2, Role in Job Creation and Regulatory Reform... Representatives Park Seong-jung and Im I-ja, Secretaries for Science and Social Fields

[Asia Economy Reporters: Bae Kyunghwan, Bu Aeri, Yoo Byungdon, Jung Donghoon] The Economic Subcommittee 2 of the Presidential Transition Committee, which will lay the foundation for the real economy including industry and jobs under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, has been revealed. Professor Lee Chang-yang of KAIST’s Department of Management Engineering, who has built a reputation in the field of technological innovation economics through 15 years of public service at government ministries such as the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, is expected to serve as the secretary. Professor Wang Yoon-jong of Dongduk Women’s University’s Department of International Business, former SK Innovation Group leader Yoo Woong-hwan, and Go San, CEO of A-Team Ventures and Korea’s first aspiring astronaut, have also been named as committee members.

On the 17th, spokesperson Kim Eun-hye for the president-elect held a briefing at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, announcing the secretaries and committee members of the three subcommittees that had not yet been revealed among the seven subcommittees of the transition committee.

Professor Lee Chang-yang was appointed secretary of Economic Subcommittee 2, Park Sung-joong, a People Power Party lawmaker, was appointed secretary of the Science, Technology and Education Subcommittee, and Im E-ja, also a People Power Party lawmaker, was appointed secretary of the Social Welfare and Culture Subcommittee. Regarding Professor Lee, who will set the direction for the new government’s industrial economy sector, the transition committee described him as “a person with both scholarly knowledge and administrative experience, possessing more profound knowledge and experience in market structure and corporate strategy than anyone else.” It is known that President-elect Yoon requested the Economic Subcommittee 2 to play a role in drafting practical, private-sector-led industrial policies that facilitate smooth communication with the industry, such as job creation and the elimination of unnecessary regulations.

The appointment of Professor Wang and former SK Innovation Group leader Yoo, who will work closely with Professor Lee, also reflects the policy philosophy of President-elect Yoon and Chairman Ahn, who emphasized “technological innovation.” Professor Wang, an expert in the digital economy and new industries, plans to focus on finding new paths for the development of digital industries and the economy, including virtual currency, metaverse, and blockchain. Former SK Innovation Group leader Yoo will work on establishing Korea’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) innovation measures.

The appearance of Go San, who challenged to become Korea’s first astronaut, is also notable. The transition committee explained, “Although he was eliminated as Korea’s first astronaut candidate, he decided to help aspiring entrepreneurs who want to change the world by establishing the nonprofit organization ‘Tide Institute,’ serving as a good role model for Korea’s future generations.”

The Science, Technology and Education Subcommittee includes Professor Kim Chang-kyung of Hanyang University’s Creative Convergence Education Institute and Professor Nam Ki-tae of Seoul National University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering as committee members. Park, who serves as secretary of this subcommittee, is an expert in the telecommunications field, including information and communication facilities, due to the advancement and convergence of the ICT sector, and has accumulated long-term experience in standing committees. Professor Kim contributed to the establishment of the digital platform government pledge during this presidential election, and Professor Nam is known as a scientist who succeeded in synthesizing the world’s first carbon-neutral fuel carbonate. In a phone interview with this publication, Park said, “I will take overall coordination related to broadcasting, telecommunications, and media,” and added, “I will align well with many of Chairman Ahn’s visions.”

The Social Welfare and Culture Subcommittee includes Professor Ahn Sang-hoon of Seoul National University’s Department of Social Welfare, Professor Baek Kyung-ran of Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, and Kim Do-sik, Political Deputy Mayor of Seoul, as committee members. Im, who serves as secretary, said, “It is a heavy responsibility to take charge in these difficult times,” and added, “I will listen carefully and thoroughly consider the pledges made by the president-elect.” Among the subcommittee members, Kim previously served as chief of staff to Chairman Ahn when he was party leader.

Additionally, President-elect Yoon appointed Shin Yong-hyun, former Bareunmirae Party lawmaker, as spokesperson for the transition committee. Former SBS News Editorial Writer Won Il-hee and lawyer Choi Ji-hyun were appointed as deputy chief spokespersons. Lawyer Choi has been conveying the blueprint for the next government while serving as deputy spokesperson and spokesperson in President-elect Yoon’s primary campaign and the People Power Party’s election campaign headquarters.

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