New wave of women appointments reshapes leadership at oceans ministry

Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in Sejong / Yonhap

An increase in the number of senior female leaders at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is reshaping its leadership ranks, with women now holding key positions that were once largely out of reach in the traditionally male-dominated field.

The ministry said it recently expanded the number of high-ranking female officials to five from one through a round of promotions and appointments based on performance and capability.

Among seven newly promoted director-level officials, four are women, the ministry said.

The increase marks a sharp change from the previous structure.

The ministry said it placed female leaders in key positions for the first time since its establishment, including roles that require close field communication and oversight.

The ministry said the new Director General for Marine Policy Yu Eun-won has built her career through major posts in maritime development and marine environment policy and is expected to steer mid- to long-term strategies in the sector.

Meanwhile, new Director General for Fisheries Resources Policy Kim In-kyong is expected to oversee national fisheries policy and resource management while maintaining close communication with industry workers, according to the ministry.

The ministry also appointed the first woman to serve as audit and inspection director at the division level. Kim Tae-kyong will oversee inspections, anti-corruption efforts and public service discipline.

The ministry sees the appointments as departing from long-held perspectives that women face limits in advancing within maritime sectors, adding that the move aligns with the Lee Jae Myung administration’s goal of building a gender-equal society with guaranteed opportunities and rights.

The ministry said it will expand the number of women managers, going beyond a simple headcount increase to strengthen organizational diversity and innovation. It added that support for female employees will continue, with efforts to create conditions for more women to advance into leadership roles.

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.