Gyeonggi Province has named Joo Hyung-chul, former president of the Gyeonggi Research Institute, as its new economic vice governor. The province selected Joo as the right person to simultaneously lead the development of advanced industries and the recovery of the livelihood economy, according to officials.
Joo is an expert in information and communications technology (ICT) who began his career at SK Telecom and served as chief executive officer (CEO) of SK Communications. He later worked at NHN NEXT, the Seoul Business Agency and Korea Venture Investment, where he focused on nurturing software talent, supporting startups and operating the fund of funds, working to build an innovation ecosystem.
He also has extensive policy experience. While serving as economic adviser to the Presidential Secretariat, he handled future growth industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G, as well as economic policy overall. As the 14th president of the Gyeonggi Research Institute, he oversaw research on major provincial policies and deepened his understanding of provincial administration.
More recently, he served as head of the "K-Meoksanism" headquarters of the Democratic Party of Korea and worked with the State Affairs Planning Committee. Through these roles, he is regarded as well-versed in the economic policies of both local and central governments.
Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae said, "Gyeonggi Province's leading role is important for South Korea's innovative growth," adding, "Please push forward major policies for the development of advanced industries and the revitalization of the livelihood economy boldly and swiftly."
Gyeonggi Province plans to appoint Joo as the new economic vice governor on the 27th.
