The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on September 18 that Kim Jeong-yeol has been appointed as the sixth head of the Korea Disability Development Institute. Kim, a seasoned expert with extensive experience in designing disability policies and practical fieldwork, will focus on enhancing the institute's role and improving its structure to prioritize the protection of disability rights.
Kim's term will run from September 18, 2026, to September 17, 2029. His appointment followed a selection process that included document reviews and interviews conducted by the Korea Disability Development Institute's executive recommendation committee, culminating in a final decision by the Minister of Health and Welfare.
Born in 1960, Kim Jeong-yeol graduated from Soongsil University with a degree in business administration, later earning a master's degree in social welfare from Chung-Ang University and completing a doctoral program in rehabilitation studies at Hanshin University. He served as the director of the Korea Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities from 1988 to 2006, contributing to the advancement of disability rights. He has also held key positions, including Secretary General of the Korea Association of Persons with Disabilities (March 2006 to September 2008) and Chair of the Social Value Research Institute (January 2015 to December 2019). Additionally, he was the director of a vocational rehabilitation facility for individuals with severe disabilities, known as Leadric, from November 2010 to May 2021.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare stated, "Kim Jeong-yeol is an expert with comprehensive experience in policy design and practical work in the field of disability policy. We expect him to significantly contribute to strengthening the functions and roles of the Korea Disability Development Institute and advancing disability welfare."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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