Responding to Calls for Organizational Culture Reform—Industry Minister Kim Jeong-gwan Holds First Town Hall Meeting

(Sejong=Yonhap Infomax) Jae Heon Lee – South Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Kim Jeong-gwan, held his first town hall meeting since taking office, bringing together more than 500 staff from the ministry and affiliated agencies, the ministry announced on the 25th.

The meeting was organized to define the newly restructured ministry’s role in line with the government’s policy direction and to explore innovative measures to boost organizational vitality. Results from an anonymous “organizational culture diagnostic survey” were shared, and representatives from various departments and ranks offered candid opinions on organizational culture reform and improvements to the personnel system.

Ministry employees expressed concern that the agency’s status had been significantly weakened following the recent government reorganization, which transferred the energy division to the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment. They argued for a substantial expansion of the ministry’s functions, including the AI-driven transformation of manufacturing, trade policy such as investment in the United States, and economic and industrial security policy.

Nearly 42% of survey respondents said that organizational culture reform was urgent. They emphasized the need to eliminate formalistic reporting and promote non-face-to-face reporting. Additional suggestions included refraining from contacting staff outside working hours, regularizing personnel appointments, and making key position assignments more transparent.

Minister Kim stated, “The responsibilities and role of the ministry are becoming increasingly important, as seen in the recent conclusion of tariff negotiations with the United States. I will do my utmost to foster a vibrant and enjoyable organizational culture where all employees can feel a sense of accomplishment and focus on meaningful work.”

The ministry launched a dedicated “Organizational Innovation Team” last month to spearhead organizational and personnel reforms. The team will actively identify reform tasks and rigorously monitor implementation to ensure these changes take root in the ministry’s culture.

jhlee2@yna.co.kr

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