The Korea Defense Industry Association (KDIA), led by President Kim Yoo-jin, announced the appointment of Lee Nam-woo as its 22nd Vice President, effective June 17, for a three-year term.
This appointment is significant as it marks the first time in nearly 50 years since the association's establishment that a civilian has been selected for the role of Vice President.
To adapt to recent changes in the defense industry landscape, the KDIA revised its bylaws earlier this year, focusing the qualifications for the Vice President on expertise and capability.
Following a public recruitment process conducted over the past three to four months, Lee Nam-woo was ultimately selected after deliberation by the executive personnel committee on June 5 and approval from the board of directors and general assembly on June 8.
In his inaugural remarks, Lee stated, “The defense industry in South Korea is a core sector supporting national security and a new growth engine for the national economy. I will serve as a practical bridge connecting the industry and government policies, creating tangible results that our member companies can feel.”
He added, “Based on close communication with member companies, I will support the development of the defense industry and enhance export competitiveness, while expanding cooperation with the government and relevant agencies to establish a sustainable growth foundation for K-defense. I will listen more closely to the voices from the field to ensure that the KDIA fulfills its role as a reliable partner for its members.”
Lee Nam-woo graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in law and obtained a master’s degree in international relations from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). He completed his doctoral coursework at Sungkyunkwan University’s law school.
Entering public service through the 35th National Civil Service Examination, he has held key positions in the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, accumulating expertise in defense policy, defense procurement, and veterans administration.
Notably, he served as the team leader for the organizational personnel team in the Defense Acquisition Program Administration's preparatory office, as well as in the Prime Minister's Office for improving procurement systems, and as the Director of Personnel Welfare at the Ministry of National Defense, gaining extensive experience in the development of defense procurement systems and the formulation of defense policies. After serving as the Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs, where he led the recognition and development of policies for national merit holders, he has also worked as a special professor at Korea University’s Graduate School of Information Security after retiring from public office.
This appointment is significant as it marks the first time in nearly 50 years since the association's establishment that a civilian has been selected for the role of Vice President.
To adapt to recent changes in the defense industry landscape, the KDIA revised its bylaws earlier this year, focusing the qualifications for the Vice President on expertise and capability.
Following a public recruitment process conducted over the past three to four months, Lee Nam-woo was ultimately selected after deliberation by the executive personnel committee on June 5 and approval from the board of directors and general assembly on June 8.
In his inaugural remarks, Lee stated, “The defense industry in South Korea is a core sector supporting national security and a new growth engine for the national economy. I will serve as a practical bridge connecting the industry and government policies, creating tangible results that our member companies can feel.”
He added, “Based on close communication with member companies, I will support the development of the defense industry and enhance export competitiveness, while expanding cooperation with the government and relevant agencies to establish a sustainable growth foundation for K-defense. I will listen more closely to the voices from the field to ensure that the KDIA fulfills its role as a reliable partner for its members.”
Lee Nam-woo graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in law and obtained a master’s degree in international relations from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). He completed his doctoral coursework at Sungkyunkwan University’s law school.
Entering public service through the 35th National Civil Service Examination, he has held key positions in the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, accumulating expertise in defense policy, defense procurement, and veterans administration.
Notably, he served as the team leader for the organizational personnel team in the Defense Acquisition Program Administration's preparatory office, as well as in the Prime Minister's Office for improving procurement systems, and as the Director of Personnel Welfare at the Ministry of National Defense, gaining extensive experience in the development of defense procurement systems and the formulation of defense policies. After serving as the Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs, where he led the recognition and development of policies for national merit holders, he has also worked as a special professor at Korea University’s Graduate School of Information Security after retiring from public office.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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