Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung nominated new ministers for education and gender equality, along with leadership for the nation's corporate watchdog and financial regulator, as announced by the presidential office.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the superintendent of the Sejong City Office of Education, Choi Kyo-jin, has been appointed as the new education minister. This announcement was made by the presidential chief of staff, Kang Hoon-sik, during a briefing that covered six ministerial or vice-ministerial appointments. Choi replaces the previous nominee, Lee Jin-sook, who was dismissed following controversies over alleged academic plagiarism.
Kang described Choi as a veteran in the field of education, having devoted over four decades to the sector, progressing from a middle school teacher to a three-term superintendent in Sejong. Choi's extensive experience includes roles during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, such as serving as the executive chair of the Korean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation, which is involved in inter-Korean exchanges.
In another significant appointment, Won Min-kyong, a human rights lawyer specializing in family law and women's rights, has been nominated to lead the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. Won's appointment follows the resignation of Kang Sun-woo, who stepped down amid allegations of workplace misconduct during her tenure as a lawmaker.
Additionally, President Lee selected Ju Biung-ghi, an economics professor at Seoul National University, as the chair of the Fair Trade Commission. Lee Eog-weon, the former first vice finance minister, has been nominated to head the Financial Services Commission.
Other appointments include Kim Ho, an agricultural economics professor at Dankook University, as chairperson of the Presidential Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Policy. Cha Jeong-in, a law professor at Pusan National University School of Law, was named chairperson of the National Education Commission.
These nominees are subject to parliamentary confirmation hearings before their formal appointments, although parliamentary approval is not mandatory for them to assume office.