BUSAN — The Busan Metropolitan Government has completed the appointment of heads at key public agencies tasked with driving industrial innovation and an economic recovery for households and small businesses, moving to secure momentum for the ninth term of Busan's popularly elected local government.
The city said on the 19th that it is appointing Shim Jae-woon, formerly of the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as president of Busan Techno Park; Kim Hyun-joon, a former financial industry figure, as chairman of the Busan Credit Guarantee Foundation; and Hwang Sun-woong, previously affiliated with a state-funded research institute and a university, as president of the Busan Economic Promotion Agency. Each will serve a two-year term. The appointment ceremony was set for 4:40 p.m. that day at the city hall protocol room.
The appointments followed the city council's first confirmation process since the ninth term of Busan's popularly elected local government began. The three nominees were questioned at hearings held on the 29th and 30th of last month on their management and policy capabilities as well as their ethical standards, and all three were found qualified for the posts.
The city said it is placing officials with both field experience and expertise in the top roles to pursue two tasks at once: overhauling the region's industrial structure and reviving the economy for households and small businesses.
Busan Techno Park will strengthen technology and commercialization support tailored to corporate needs under Shim, who spent 32 years at the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry working with companies on the ground. The Busan Credit Guarantee Foundation will work to improve financing access for small business owners struggling to raise funds and to reinforce the regional financial safety net under Kim, who has 30 years of experience in finance. The Busan Economic Promotion Agency, led by Hwang, will draw on his expertise to support corporate growth and job creation.
"Heading a public agency is an important post that requires using one's expertise to create real change in citizens' lives and the local economy," Mayor Jeon Jae-soo said. "I ask you to draw on your field experience to raise Busan's future competitiveness and deliver visible results that citizens can feel."