This composite photo shows Choi Kyo-jin (L), superintendent of the Sejong City Office of Education, and Won Min-kyong, a non-standing commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission, who were tapped as the new education and gender ministers, respectively, on Aug. 13, 2025, in this photo provided by the presidential office. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 13 (Korea Bizwire) — President Lee Jae Myung nominated new education and gender equality ministers as well as the heads of the nation’s corporate watchdog and financial regulator Wednesday, the presidential office said.
Choi Kyo-jin, superintendent of the Sejong City Office of Education, was named education minister, presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik said in a briefing, as he announced six posts at the ministerial or vice-ministerial level.
Choi’s nomination comes after Lee dropped his pick for the previous nominee, Lee Jin-sook, following controversies surrounding her allegation of academic plagiarism.
Kang described Choi as a “recognized education expert who has dedicated over 40 years in education from middle school teacher to superintendent” and is expected to “faithfully implement the president’s pledges.”
Choi is the first superintendent of education to serve three terms in Sejong.
He has held several posts during the previous Roh Moo-hyun administration, including executive chair of the Korean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation, a civic group involved in inter-Korean exchanges.
Won Min-kyong, a non-standing commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission, was tapped to lead the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.
Won’s nomination also comes after the previous nominee Kang Sun-woo stepped down amid criticism over alleged workplace abuses during her time as a lawmaker.
Won is a human rights lawyer who has specialized in family law and women’s rights.
Lee also nominated Ju Biung-ghi, an economics professor at Seoul National University, as chair of the Fair Trade Commission, and Lee Eog-weon, former first vice finance minister, to head the Financial Services Commission.
Kim Ho, an agricultural economics professor at Dankook University, was tapped as chairperson of the Presidential Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Policy, while Cha Jeong-in, a law professor at Pusan National University School of Law, was named chairperson of the National Education Commission.
The nominees must undergo parliamentary confirmation hearings before they can be formally appointed, though parliamentary approval is not required for them to take office.
(Yonhap)
