Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung's announcement of 11 new ministerial candidates has been characterized by an unconventional approach, blending corporate expertise with governmental roles.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the selections include notable figures such as Ahn Gyu-back, who is set to become the first defense minister nominee in decades without a career military background, and Kim Young-hoon, a former train operator who led the Korean Railway Workers' Union and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions.
In a strategic move to bolster Korea's standing in artificial intelligence (AI), Ha Jung-woo, formerly of Naver AI Innovation Center, has been named the senior presidential secretary for AI, while Bae Kyung-hoon, chief of LG AI Research, has been nominated for science minister. Both are crucial to the administration's ambitious plan to invest 100 trillion won ($73.5 billion) over the next five years to position Korea among the top three AI powerhouses globally.
Bae and Ha's extensive experience in AI technology and government policy consultation suggests a shared vision of enhancing Korea's AI capabilities. Their focus on strengthening computing infrastructure, developing talent, and fostering a domestic AI ecosystem aligns with the administration's objectives. The integration of corporate insights into government functions is expected to inspire confidence and innovation, particularly as the nation navigates the competitive landscape dominated by the U.S. and China.
Han Seong-sook of Naver and Yoon Chang-ryul of LG are also among the nominees, designated for the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Office for Government Policy Coordination, respectively. Their global business acumen is anticipated to foster collaboration between the government and private sector, fueling optimism for economic progress.
Despite challenges posed by Korea's conservative civil service traditions and stringent Public Service Ethics Act, which mandates asset disclosure and management for nominees, the introduction of business leaders into government roles has been positively received. This shift reflects President Lee's pragmatic approach, resonating with his economic priorities and recent statements emphasizing peace and economic stability.
The retention of Song Mi-ryung as agriculture minister, despite past controversies, further underscores Lee's focus on expertise and capability. As President Lee prepares to announce nominees for finance and trade ministries, his unconventional selections continue to garner support, underscoring a commitment to pragmatism and national interest.