Grade 5 Promotions to Be Fast-Tracked After 10 Years... Blue House Introduces "Fast-Track" and Expert Development

Chief Secretary Kang Hoon-sik Announces Public Sector Competency Initiatives

Expansion of Private Sector Recruitment and Abolition of Salary Caps by Position

"Foundation for a Dramatic Leap in Public Sector Capabilities"

The Blue House announced the introduction of a fast-track system for promotion to Grade 5, aiming to rapidly develop capable working-level officials into managers and nurture specialized civil servants without rotational assignments.

On April 29, Kang Hoonshik, Chief Secretary to the President, presented the main tasks for strengthening public service competency in a briefing at the Blue House Press Hall. Kang explained, "We will accelerate the pace of state affairs in this era of major transition," adding, "Now more than ever, the expertise and competence of civil servants are essential not only to overcome emergencies but also to seize opportunities and leap forward in the face of crises."

Kang Hoonshik, Chief Secretary, is briefing on the core achievements and promotion plans of 'Public Service Competency Enhancement' at the Blue House Press Hall on the 29th. April 29, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

The government will implement a fast-track promotion system that allows working-level officials who have demonstrated performance and potential to be promoted early to Grade 5. Those selected for the fast-track will be thoroughly vetted and then assigned to key policy departments, where they will be cultivated as core government personnel. The total number of fast-track promotions will begin at 100 this year and be gradually expanded in stages.

Chief Personnel Officer Cho Sungjoo elaborated, "It often takes nearly 10 years to move up from Grade 6 to Grade 5," and noted, "It is physically difficult for these officials to join the policy decision-making group." Cho explained that by speeding up personnel advancement through the fast-track, those who entered as Grade 7 officials will also be able to compete for senior positions alongside those who passed the administrative or diplomatic service exams.

In addition, the government will nurture specialized civil servants who are exempt from rotational assignments. In fields requiring a high level of expertise and experience—such as artificial intelligence (AI), international trade, and labor supervision—officials will be encouraged to serve for at least seven years to deepen their skills. The goal is to start with 700 specialized civil servants this year and secure more than 1,200 by 2028.

Furthermore, to enhance the openness and dynamism of the public service, the government will recruit more outstanding private-sector talent. The proportion of open positions at the director and division head level in central government agencies, currently at 7%, will be increased to at least 12% by 2030, and salary caps by position will be abolished. The government also plans to ease post-retirement employment restrictions for those from the private sector.

Additionally, to systematize civil servant training at each stage of their career, a self-directed learning account and designated "learning days" will be established. Gatherings where senior officials can study the latest issues together with top experts in various fields will also be organized.

Overseas human networks, previously managed as personal assets, will be integrated and managed at the national level.

Kang emphasized, "We will immediately amend relevant laws and implement these measures swiftly to promote the tasks for strengthening public service competency," adding, "I believe these measures will lay the foundation for a dramatic leap in the capabilities of the government and the public sector in a rapidly changing environment."

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