The Korea Herald

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[Profile] Veteran provincial administrator, lawmaker tapped as new agriculture minister

By a2017001

Published : June 13, 2017 - 15:25

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President Moon Jae-in's pick for agriculture minister has extensive experience as a veteran provincial administrator and two-time lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea.

Kim Yung-rok started his government career in 1977 and worked in the South Jeolla provincial government for more than two decades. He also went through various senior posts, including the county chief of Wando and a vice governor of southwestern province.

Agriculture Minister nominee Kim Yung-rok (Yonhap) Agriculture Minister nominee Kim Yung-rok (Yonhap)

Kim entered politics in 2008 as he was elected as an independent lawmaker in an electoral district in the southwestern regions of Wando, Haenam and Jindo. Four years later, he again won a parliamentary seat in the same district.

He has served as vice floor leader and spokesperson of the Democratic Party since he became a member in 2008.

During the campaign for the May 9 presidential election, the 62-year-old has played a role in leading the campaign strategies of Moon's camp.

Born in Wando in 1955, he graduated from Konkuk University in Seoul and holds a master's degree in public administration at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University. (Yonhap)