Kim Jeong Gwan Named South Korea Industry Minister

On June 29, 2025, President Lee Jae-myung made a striking move by nominating Kim Jeong-gwan, the current CEO of Doosan Enerbility, as the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy. This appointment is notable for its rarity, as it is uncommon for a sitting corporate executive to be directly nominated to such a high government position, especially in the industrial sector. Officials and industry insiders alike have described Kim’s nomination as an unexpected yet promising decision, signaling the new administration’s strong commitment to revitalizing economic growth through practical expertise.

Kim Jeong-gwan’s career is a blend of accomplished public service and corporate leadership, making him a unique candidate to lead South Korea’s industrial policies. Born in 1968 in Jangseong County, Jeonnam, Kim graduated from Gwangju Jeil High School and then earned a degree in economics from Seoul National University. Furthering his academic credentials, he obtained a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Missouri in the United States. Passing the 36th Public Administration Examination, he embarked on a distinguished career in government, serving in key roles at the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Bank of Korea. During his time at the Bank of Korea, he was recognized for his dedication with a special commendation, underscoring his reputation as a passionate and capable economic policymaker.

In 2018, Kim transitioned from public service to the private sector by joining the Doosan Group as a vice president. Over nearly seven years, he has shaped his role within the industrial landscape, culminating in his current position as the marketing head and CEO of Doosan Enerbility, a core affiliate of the conglomerate specializing in energy solutions. His leadership in this capacity has been regarded as exceptional, particularly because bringing an external expert to helm marketing in such a pivotal company is unusual in the Korean corporate environment.

Industry observers have welcomed Kim’s nomination with cautious optimism, emphasizing that his extensive experience in both government and business equips him well to craft policies that reflect the realities of the industrial sector. His deep familiarity with the energy industry, especially his tenure at Doosan Enerbility—a company central to South Korea’s nuclear power ecosystem—positions him to stabilize and advance President Lee’s energy agenda. This agenda includes a “rational energy mix” policy that balances the push for renewable energy with the continued, measured use of nuclear power, including emerging technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs).

Kim’s appointment comes at a critical juncture. South Korea faces intense competition from China in high-tech and strategic industries such as semiconductors, displays, secondary batteries, and automobiles. The government must navigate complex challenges, including responding to the Korean version of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and urgent trade negotiations with the United States, with a July 8 deadline looming for mutual tariff suspensions. As the head of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Kim will be expected to lead these negotiations, aiming to secure tangible benefits for South Korea’s economic interests.

Moreover, Kim’s role is not limited to immediate economic concerns. He will also be tasked with laying the groundwork for future-oriented industrial policies, including expanding artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing and integrating climate change responses into energy strategies. Since the Ministry of Climate and Energy has yet to be established, Kim’s ministry will collaborate closely with the Ministry of Environment to spearhead the “renewable energy transformation,” a cornerstone of President Lee’s campaign promises.

On the same day, President Lee also nominated Gu Yun-cheol, a former head of the Office for Government Policy Coordination and a respected expert in fiscal policy, as Minister of Economy and Finance. Gu’s appointment fills a vacancy that had persisted for two months following the resignation of the previous deputy prime minister and finance minister. Gu brings extensive experience as a former budget director and deputy minister at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and his reputation for integrity and expertise has made him a frontrunner for the position since the inception of Lee’s government.

Alongside Kim and Gu, President Lee announced nominations for four other key ministerial posts: Jeong Eun-kyung, former head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, for Minister of Health and Welfare; Lee Jin-sook, former president of Chungnam National University, for Minister of Education; Jeong Seong-ho, a Democratic Party lawmaker, for Minister of Justice; and Yoon Ho-jung, also a Democratic Party lawmaker, for Minister of Interior and Safety. Furthermore, two senior presidential secretaries, Bong Woong-min and Jeon Seong-hwan, were appointed to oversee civil affairs and public order integration, respectively.

The nomination of Kim Jeong-gwan marks a clear signal from the Lee administration that economic growth, industrial innovation, and energy policy will be prioritized with a pragmatic, hands-on approach. Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik highlighted Kim’s dual strengths in government and industry, noting that “Kim Jeong-gwan is a recognized official with a strong passion, having received a special commendation during his tenure at the Bank of Korea, and will implement the President’s philosophy of focusing on economic growth as a key figure in the real economy.”

As South Korea confronts a rapidly shifting global economic landscape, Kim’s blend of policy expertise and corporate leadership could prove instrumental in steering the country through challenges and opportunities alike. His stewardship will be closely watched, particularly as Korea seeks to bolster its competitiveness against China and navigate complex trade dynamics with the United States. The energy sector, too, will be a focal point, with the delicate balance of advancing renewables while maintaining nuclear capabilities demanding careful management.

In sum, Kim Jeong-gwan’s appointment encapsulates a broader governmental strategy: to fuse policy acumen with industry experience, ensuring that South Korea’s industrial and energy policies are both visionary and grounded. With a packed agenda ahead—from AI-driven manufacturing to climate-conscious energy reforms and urgent trade negotiations—the incoming minister’s performance will be pivotal in shaping the country’s economic trajectory in the coming years.