The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) announced Monday that it has appointed Mok Seung-hwan, CEO of Seoul National University Technology Holdings, as its new Director General for Startups, Venture and Innovation. Mok will begin his duties at the ministry on Thursday.
The position, classified as Grade A among fixed-term senior civil service posts, carries a basic term of two years. Strong performance can lead to appointment as a career civil servant, with the term extendable up to a total of five years.
Mok is regarded as a "tech startup expert" who has bridged technology and the field by leading SNU Technology Holdings and successfully translating the university's research achievements into viable businesses. He is seen as a fitting candidate to drive the current administration's key initiatives, including the "Grand Transition to a National Startup Era" and the "Startup Life Project for All," which aims to give everyone the opportunity to launch a venture.
As a private-sector investment specialist, Mok has identified startups built on university laboratory technologies and laid the groundwork for them to grow into unicorns, producing tangible results in tech entrepreneurship. Having worked across both venture capital and accelerator sectors, he is credited with a deep understanding of the investment ecosystem, enabling user-centered policy design that prioritizes companies' needs.
With Mok's appointment, the ministry plans to accelerate efforts to build a "Startup for All" ecosystem in which every citizen can freely pursue innovation.
"Based on Director General Mok's expertise in the startup and venture sectors, key policies such as fostering deep tech startups and elevating Korea into one of the world's top four venture powerhouses will gain stronger momentum on the ground," a ministry official said.
