Kwon Oh-hyun Named First Business Chair of Finance Ministry's Medium-Term Strategy Committee

Kwon Oh-hyun Appointed to Lead Korea's Medium-Term Strategy Committee

Former Samsung Electronics Chairman Kwon Oh-hyun has been appointed chairman of the Ministry of Economy and Finance's Medium-Term Strategy Committee, the advisory body that sets national mid- to long-term strategy. This is the first time a business executive will lead the committee. The move signals a stronger industry lens on policy priorities such as AI and innovation.

The 7th committee will operate with three subcommittees-Governance Reform, Innovation Growth, and Future Society Strategy-and include 19 members. The body was established in 2012 as a private advisory group to the Minister of Economy and Finance.

Committee at a Glance

• Mandate: Advise the Minister of Economy and Finance on future strategy and national priorities.
• Structure: Three subcommittees-Governance Reform, Innovation Growth, Future Society Strategy.
• Composition: 19 members spanning policy, academia, and industry.
• Established: 2012 as a private advisory body.

Why Kwon Matters

Kwon previously led Samsung Electronics' Semiconductor Division, served as vice chairman, chaired the board, and led the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology. He authored Ultra Gap in 2018, reflecting on 33 years at Samsung. After retiring, he served as chairman of the board of trustees at Seoul National University.

Context and Continuity

Past chairs came from academia and public service, including Lee Won-bok (Duksung Women's University), Kim In-ho (Market Economy Research Institute), former Minister Choi Jong-chan, Choi Jae-chun (Ewha Womans University), KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung, and former Minister Park Jae-wan. Kwon is the first business leader to hold the role.

Signals for Executives

• Expect sharper focus on execution and commercialization in areas like AI, semiconductors, and digital infrastructure.
• Public-private coordination is likely to deepen across governance reform, innovation finance, and workforce strategy.
• Industry input may carry more weight in setting national priorities and timelines.

What to Watch Next

• Early agendas and KPIs from the three subcommittees.
• Policy proposals on AI adoption, data standards, and talent development.
• Updates on governance reform and capital allocation mechanisms to speed innovation.

Practical Next Steps for Enterprise Leaders

• Map current initiatives to likely national priorities: AI, semiconductor value chains, public data platforms, and aging-society solutions.
• Prepare partnership briefs for ministry programs-objectives, co-investment, deliverables, and measurable outcomes.
• Upskill leadership teams on AI strategy and operating models to shorten decision cycles.
• Set a policy watch cadence and build scenario plans for incentives, reporting requirements, and compliance.

For official updates, visit the Ministry of Economy and Finance: moef.go.kr.

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