SEOUL - Choi Sang-mok, a seasoned economic technocrat, has been named the new Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister for South Korea's economic and financial affairs. He replaces Choo Kyung-ho in these roles.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Choi Sang-mok holds a degree in law from Seoul National University and began his public service career in 1986 after passing the civil service exam. He later obtained a master's degree from Cornell University in 1996. Choi has held various important roles in the finance ministry since 1987, contributing significantly to the development of macroeconomic policies and financial strategies. His previous roles include working at the presidential office under the Park Geun-hye administration and serving as the first vice finance minister for two years. After a period outside government service, Choi led the Agricultural Cooperative University before joining President Yoon Suk Yeol's transition team in 2022. In May 2022, he was appointed as Yoon's first senior presidential secretary for economic affairs, a position he held until November.