"Kim Yong-beom, Ex-Policy Director, Joins Presidential Office via Hashed: A 'Strategic Visionary' for Real Economy, Finance, and Digital"

# Amid Economic Woes and Digital Transition, Presidential Office Appoints Kim Yong-beom as Policy Chief [Breaking News] Kim Yong-beom, the CEO of Hashed Open Research, has been named the first Chief Policy Officer in President Lee Jae-myung’s administration. A seasoned economic bureaucrat, Kim has expanded his expertise into blockchain and cutting-edge digital industries at a specialized think tank. Known for his “multi-dimensional strategy,” Kim's experience spans public and private sectors, as well as traditional and emerging industries. On November 6, the Presidential Office announced key staff appointments, designating Kim Yong-beom (former Vice Minister of Strategy and Finance) as Chief Policy Officer and Hah Joon-kyung, a Hanyang University professor, as Senior Secretary for Economic Growth. Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff, stated, “Kim has led efforts to manage the COVID-19 crisis and has deep insights into the digital economy. He is the right person to spearhead economic recovery and pragmatic governance.” # Bridging Traditional Bureaucracy and Blockchain: Policy and Market Realities Kim embarked on his public service career after passing the rigorous 30th national civil service examination. He held pivotal economic roles such as Director of Banking System at the Ministry of Finance and Economy and Director of International Financial System Reform at the Presidential Committee for the G20 Summit. At the Financial Services Commission, he served in roles including Director of Capital Markets, Financial Policy, Secretary General, and Vice Chairman. During his tenure, Kim played a key role in restructuring Korea’s capital markets, designing the KOSDAQ and KONEX systems. As Vice Minister, he helped stabilize the economy during the COVID-19 crisis by managing the Key Industry Stabilization Fund's design. After leaving public office, Kim led Hashed Open Research (HOR), a blockchain think tank under venture capital firm Hashed, in 2022. He advanced policy recommendations on digital assets, blockchain regulations, stablecoin issuance, and digitization of public expenditures. Kim engaged with global stakeholders, visiting the U.S., Singapore, and other markets to gather insights from leading digital asset firms. By building close ties with young entrepreneurs, he gained firsthand knowledge of the fast-evolving digital finance trends. Industry insiders praise Kim’s transition from traditional bureaucracy to private tech leadership. A blockchain company executive, previously at a major securities firm, said, “Kim’s adaptability to market trends and technology is remarkable. He effectively translates market realities into policy.” # International Perspective Enhances Leadership in Digital Economy Kim’s international experience sets him apart. At the World Bank, he was a Senior Economist for the Financial Development Department and the Asia-Pacific region, gaining valuable international development finance experience. Chang-yong Rhee, IMF Director for the Asia-Pacific, praised Kim for his advanced-level English fluency, rare among Korean economic bureaucrats. # Anticipation for Digital Economic Growth Kim’s accomplishments at Hashed Open Research demonstrate the potential integration of blockchain technology into national policies. His work in restructuring public expenditure, driving governance innovation, and designing private-led digital infrastructure sparks optimism for transitioning Web3-based governance experiments into actual policy frameworks. The tech industry sees Kim’s appointment as crucial for Korea’s digital transformation. As major economies like the U.S. advance digital asset policies, Kim’s leadership could redefine Korea’s industrial policy roadmap. On social media, Kim analyzes Korea’s economic structure. In an October 25 post, he said, “Korea’s economic circuit is broken, as consumption doesn’t connect with production and employment. Public expenditure must bridge this gap to drive private consumption and job creation.” He emphasized that “expansionary fiscal policy is a necessity,” highlighting his policy direction. # Multifaceted Career Suited for Complex Crises An alumnus of Seoul National University with an economics degree and a Ph.D. from George Washington University, Kim’s extensive career spans government, international organizations, and private think tanks, making him a strategist fit for Korea’s diverse economic challenges. # Profile of Kim Yong-beom - Born: 1962, Muan, South Jeolla Province - Education: Gwangju Daedong High School, Seoul National University (Economics), George Washington University (Ph.D. in Economics) - Career: - Senior Economist, World Bank (Financial Development, Asia-Pacific) - Director Positions at Ministry of Finance and Economy, Financial Services Commission - Vice Minister of Strategy and Finance - CEO, Hashed Open Research - Current: Chief Policy Officer, Presidential Office (appointed June 2025) High expectations surround Kim’s leadership to strengthen Korea’s digital economy ambitions and pave the way for groundbreaking policy integration in emerging industries.