"'Sojusung Design' Hong Jang-pyo, KDI President, Applies for Pukyong National University Lecture... Step Toward Resignation?"

Hong Jang-pyo, Director of KDI / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Son Seon-hee] Hong Jang-pyo, the inaugural Chief Economic Secretary of the Moon Jae-in administration and known as the architect of the 'income-led growth' policy, has reportedly applied to teach at Pukyong National University, where he is currently on leave, for the upcoming second semester. Given the recent multifaceted resignation pressures from the current Yoon Seok-yeol government and the ruling party, it is anticipated that he will eventually follow through with stepping down.

According to Pukyong National University on the 30th, Hong recently applied through a fellow professor to open a major elective course titled 'Understanding the Korean Economy' in the Department of Economics for the second semester. Following the application, Pukyong National University established the course under Hong’s name. However, the university has not clearly confirmed whether he will return to his position.

Hong has faced criticism for holding onto his position as head of a national research institute despite the change in administration, given that he was a key figure in designing the previous government's economic policies.

On the 28th, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo pressured him to resign during a press conference, stating, "It makes no sense for the architect of income-led growth to be the head of KDI," and added, "He needs to be replaced. He does not fit with the Yoon Seok-yeol government."

Hong was appointed as KDI president in May last year, with one year remaining in the Moon Jae-in administration’s term, drawing criticism as a 'preemptive appointment.' His term is set to expire on May 30, 2024.

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