Chief of staff to be Kim Hyun-su, former Gangneung city lawmaker; spokesperson and policy chief to be hired through open recruitment
Shin Won-chul, former speaker of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, has been named deputy governor for economy of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province under governor-elect Woo Sang-ho's incoming ninth directly elected administration. Shin previously served as general director of Woo's election campaign committee.
Kim Hyun-su, a former Gangneung city council member who served as co-spokesperson for the campaign, has been appointed chief of staff — a role that involves working closely alongside the governor and serving as a bridge between the provincial government and outside stakeholders.
Kim Dong-young, who headed the campaign's policy division and previously served as a research fellow at the Democratic Party of Korea's Democratic Policy Research Institute, has been named special policy adviser, tasked with drawing up the blueprint for Gangwon Province's future.
Four secretaries have been selected to handle day-to-day operations and provide close support to the governor-elect: Hwang Yun-jeong, a former National Assembly lawmaker's aide who led the campaign's public affairs team and demonstrated expertise in political affairs and communications; Kim Hun-gyeom, a former senior Cheong Wa Dae administrative official with deep knowledge of central government operations; Choe Seok, a board member of the civic group "Hamkke Haneun Gongdongche" (Together Community) who stayed at the governor-elect's side throughout the campaign; and Kim Suk-young, a former political secretary at the Gangwon Provincial Government who helped drive Woo's YouTube channel to 10 million views during the campaign. The secretarial team is expected to maximize operational efficiency across all areas of provincial administration.
Heo So-young, spokesperson for the governor-elect's transition committee, said the key appointments to the secretariat and political staff positions were made with an emphasis on realizing the ninth administration's core values of "merit-based governance" and "integrated provincial administration bridging the Yeongseo and Yeongdong regions."
Additional appointments — including a spokesperson, policy chief, strategic adviser and communications coordinator — are to be announced at a later date through open recruitment.
Shin, the incoming deputy governor for economy, is widely regarded for his approachable personality and communication skills. The deputy governor for economy will serve as the control tower overseeing the ninth administration's top priority: attracting high-tech companies, creating jobs and securing large-scale funding. His political acumen and broad network are expected to be key assets in elevating Gangwon Province's economic standing.
Kim Hyun-su, the incoming chief of staff, is a well-regarded figure from the Yeongdong region whom the governor-elect trusts deeply. The chief of staff role is a critical position supporting swift decision-making and managing political risk within the provincial administration. The appointment reflects Woo's strong commitment to balanced development between the Yeongdong and Yeongseo regions and an inclusive administration that leaves no community behind.
The special policy adviser will be responsible for translating the ninth administration's 67 core campaign pledges — encapsulated in the slogan "Make Gangwon special, make its people happy" — into a concrete and sophisticated policy framework.
"This lineup is made up of results-oriented, pragmatic people who will drive real change in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province," Woo said. "We will pour all our energy into building a happy Gangwon where the lives of every resident improve, grounded in verified ability and expertise."
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