[Viewpoint] Where Is the Senior Secretary for Economic Growth?

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"Can I take a vacation?" "The company will run just fine without you, so go ahead and enjoy your time off."

Doesn't this sound familiar to everyone? There are usually two main worries: Will my absence actually cause problems at work, or will the company function so smoothly without me that I lose my sense of significance?

The position of Secretary for Growth Economy at the Presidential Office (Grade 1) remains vacant. It has been unfilled for six months since the launch of the new administration. This is not a position that should be left open for so long. It is a senior role among the secretaries under the Senior Secretary for Economic Growth, responsible for coordinating overall economic policy at the practical level. A high-ranking official who previously held this post said, "There is a tremendous amount of work, from policy to personnel matters, that needs to be handled personally." That is why there was much discussion even when the position's title changed from "Secretary for Economic and Financial Affairs" to "Secretary for Growth Economy." The most notable controversy was the so-called "neglect of finance" argument, sparked by the removal of "finance" from the title. However, this died down when, early on, a candidate from the Financial Services Commission (referred to as A) was mentioned as the likely nominee. Traditionally, the Ministry of Economy and Finance has filled this post. News of A's nomination caused a stir among government officials, and this time, concerns arose about the "neglect of the Ministry of Economy and Finance." Since President Lee Jaemyung had already officially declared the dismantling of the powerful Ministry of Economy and Finance from the outset, this was not entirely new. However, A was appointed as the head of a subordinate agency instead, and another candidate from the Financial Services Commission (B) was considered but ultimately not selected. The most recent candidate, C, from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, is also rumored to have not received final approval from the appointing authority.

Six months have passed amid a tug-of-war over whether the post should go to someone from the Financial Services Commission, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, or even an outsider. The argument that the delay is due to the importance of the position is unconvincing. To any observer, this is a personnel management failure. It is said that the official who initially recommended A has now given up hope and stepped back. Someone needs to take responsibility. It is the job of the Senior Secretary for Economic Growth, who oversees the Secretary for Growth Economy and must work closely with them. There are six secretaries under the Senior Secretary for Economic Growth: Growth Economy, Industrial Policy, Land and Transport, Agriculture and Livestock, Small and Venture Business, and Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. Each is responsible for a sector of the economy, but can the big picture of the national economy truly be drawn without someone in charge of macroeconomic and financial affairs? The Senior Secretary for Economic Growth must find someone to work alongside, actively persuade the appointing authority, and complete the appointment process quickly. Only then will the criticism that "only the Chief of Policy is visible, while the Senior Secretary for Economic Growth is nowhere to be seen" subside.

Personnel decisions send a message. Through appointments, you can encourage an organization or issue a warning. But this is only possible by actually making those appointments. Leaving a position vacant like this is not a message, but rather neglect. It can lead to arguments from outside that the role is unnecessary, and to resignation and apathy within the organization. Comments circulating among government officials and in the financial sector reflect this situation: "Is the Secretary for Growth Economy really so important that it should cause this much controversy? It's been vacant for six months, and things are running just fine." "Who will take the job? How many times has this happened already? I hear there are no more recommendations, and no one is really interested anymore."

Personnel decisions are also everything. They determine the success or failure of an organization and its policies. President Lee is constantly emphasizing the need to restore livelihoods and achieve economic growth. The top policy priority for next year has also been set as "rebounding potential growth rate." These are tasks that the Senior Secretary for Economic Growth and the Secretary for Growth Economy must plan and coordinate. There should be no further delays-these two must be able to work together as soon as possible. (By the way, the Senior Secretary is called "Economic Growth" while the Secretary is "Growth Economy"-I am curious about the reason. Even organizational names send a message.)

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