Hyun Jung-taik, Policy coordination

Hyun Jung-taik, new senior secretary for policy coordination, is an economy expert who started his career as a civil servant.

An economics graduate of Seoul National University, he passed the National Civil Service Examination in 1971 and served many years at the Finance Ministry.

He served as the senior presidential secretary for economy for late President Kim Dae-jung’s administration before heading the Korea Development Institute, the state-run think-tank. He also taught international trade at Inha University in Incheon.

Hyun holds a master’s degree in commerce from University of Massachusetts and a Ph.D. in economics from George Washington University.

(dyc@heraldcorp.com)


Woo Byung-woo, Civil affairs

Woo Byung-woo, a former senior prosecutor appointed as new senior presidential secretary for civil affairs, is best known for his 2009 bribery investigation involving former President Roh Moo-hyun.

He passed the bar exam in 1987 at age 20 and was in charge of high-profile investigations including the 2001 financial scandal involving C&G Group chairman Lee Yong-ho.

In 2009, Woo famously summoned then-President Roh for direct questioning on suspicion of receiving bribes from businessman Park Yeon-cha.

Woo, who has been serving at Cheong Wa Dae since last year as a secretary for civil affairs, is also known as one of the wealthiest public officials in the country. Last year, he reported 42.33 billion won ($38.1 million) in personal wealth.

He holds a bachelor of law degree from Seoul National University. 

(dyc@heraldcorp.com)