On the 29th, the presidential office designated Ryu Je-myung, director of the network policy division of the Ministry of Science and ICT, as the second vice minister.
Ryu Je-myung, the second vice minister, is expected to serve as a bridge in significant ICT cooperation, including government projects and artificial intelligence (AI) with private corporations, based on his steady participation in public-private ICT collaboration projects since entering public service.
Born in 1968, Ryu Je-myung graduated from Sogang High School and the political science department of Seoul National University, and obtained a master’s degree in Management Information Systems Management (MISM) from Carnegie Mellon University in the United States before entering public service after passing the 39th higher civil service examination.
He held important positions in various aspects of information and communication and digital policy, including ▲ director of the network policy division of the Ministry of Science and ICT ▲ head of the digital platform government promotion team ▲ policy director for AI ▲ director of information and communication industry policy ▲ director of the spectrum policy bureau ▲ and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) leave of absence.
He is particularly recognized as a communication expert who led continuous exchanges and collaborations with various IT corporations, including domestic mobile carriers while serving as the director of the network policy division. Within and outside the Ministry of Science and ICT, he is also known as one who possesses "gentle leadership." He has also played a bridging role between small and medium-sized enterprises and large IT corporations.
In October of last year, he also participated as the Director General of the "Digital Services Livelihood Support Promotion Team," which focuses on resolving digital dysfunction such as spam and deepfake, while alleviating the difficulties of small business owners through digital means.
Additionally, on the 25th, he revealed the national support plan for revitalizing the quantum industry at the first general assembly of the Quantum Technology Fact Standardization Platform QuINSA (Quantum Industrial Standard Association), co-hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Korea Information & Communication Technology Association (TTA), and the Future Quantum Convergence Center (QCI).
Meanwhile, the presidential office stated, "Vice Minister Ryu is a practical expert who has held core positions in the Ministry of Science and ICT, such as the AI-based policy director and the director of the network policy division, with expertise in science and technology and outstanding work execution abilities."
It added, "He is expected to implement the AI-centric national strategy steadily through collaboration with Minister Bae Gyeong-hun from the private sector and Senior AI Strategist Ha Jeong-woo," and evaluated him as the right person to play a key role in making Korea a "top three AI powerhouse in the world."