It Really Happened...Kim Dong-yeon's First Chief of Staff Selected: Jung Gu-won, Director of Childcare Policy Division

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park No-hoon] The transition committee for the 8th term Gyeonggi Province governor has selected Jung Gu-won, current director of the Gyeonggi Province Childcare Policy Division, as the inaugural chief of staff for the Gyeonggi Province governor.

The transition committee for the 8th term Gyeonggi Province governor held a press conference on the 30th and stated, "In the chief of staff recruitment, 11 excellent candidates applied, and after conducting document screening and first and second interviews, we selected Director Jung Gu-won." The committee added, "Considering the competency of the chief of staff, understanding of provincial affairs, and dedication alongside the governor-elect, we determined he is the most suitable candidate," revealing the background of the appointment.

Gyeonggi Province plans to officially appoint Director Jung Gu-won as chief of staff on the 1st.

Director Jung Gu-won, selected as the governor's chief of staff, began his civil service career in Yongin City in 1996 as a grade 7 open recruitment civil servant.

He subsequently worked at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety before holding positions in Gyeonggi Province including Public Institution Director and Northern Women and Family Division Chief.

Director Jung Gu-won revealed his motivation for applying, stating, "I applied with the desire to make a small contribution as a Gyeonggi Province civil servant at this critical time when the 8th term begins. Ultimately, all work is accomplished through people, so people are always the most important."

Earlier, governor-elect Kim Dong-yeon announced on the 21st through his social media that "rather than someone who worked together in the election campaign, I will recruit a chief of staff through public recruitment from general-track civil servants working at the province."

Governor-elect Kim subsequently posted a handwritten letter on the provincial government's internal bulletin board on the 24th, stating, "I look forward to active applications from civil servants with excellent capabilities and dedication," and added, "I guarantee fairness in the selection process."

The position of Gyeonggi Province governor's chief of staff has been primarily filled by retired civil servants or external figures, and this is the first time a selection has been made through internal recruitment.