The appointments mark one of Shin's first major personnel moves since taking up the post of monetary chief in mid-April, placing emphasis on economic forecasting, policy communication and internal management as the central bank navigates heightened market volatility.
The BOK said Lee Ji-ho, director general of the research department, was named deputy governor in charge of research and statistics, while Kim Je-hyun, director general of the human resources and administration department, was appointed deputy governor in charge of management.
Lee succeeds former Deputy Governor Kim Woong, whose term ended in March, while Kim fills the post previously held by Chae Byung-deuk, who left the BOK earlier this year and was later named president of the Korea Financial Telecommunications & Clearings Institute.
Lee joined the BOK in 1997 and has worked in the financial markets, monetary policy and research departments. He also served at the finance ministry before returning to the central bank, where he has led the research department since 2024.
The central bank said Lee helped improve its economic outlook process by providing more detailed quarterly projections for growth and inflation, contributing to greater transparency and effectiveness in monetary policy.
Kim joined the BOK in 1996 and has held posts across policy, communications and personnel management, including policy adviser, secretary general, communications chief and human resources director.
The BOK said Kim helped manage personnel reforms and workforce operations during recent organizational changes and new business projects, citing his understanding of the institution, communication skills and experience assisting the governor.
The appointments suggest Shin is seeking to strengthen the BOK's economic analysis and policy messaging at a time when inflation, growth, exchange-rate volatility and financial stability risks are all shaping the policy outlook.
Lee's promotion puts a senior research official with both central bank and finance ministry experience in charge of the analytical backbone of monetary policy. Kim's appointment, meanwhile, points to an emphasis on organizational stability and internal execution as the BOK adjusts to new communication tools and changing market conditions.
Their three-year terms began immediately and run until June 2029.
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