Im Ho-geun has been officially appointed as the Population Policy Secretary in the new government of Lee Jae-myung, after the position remained vacant for nine months. This announcement was confirmed by the Blue House on the 23rd, signaling a significant step in the administration's handling of population issues, which have been pressing due to declining birth rates and an aging population in South Korea. Im, born in 1972 and hailing from Gwangju, previously graduated from Sogang University's Department of Political Science and entered public service after passing the 41st National Administrative Examination.

The role of Population Policy Secretary was newly established within the AI Future Planning Office as part of a broader effort to address demographic challenges in South Korea. Over the past months, the absence of this position raised concerns about the government's ability to effectively manage the pressing issues caused by low birth rates and an increasing elderly population, which are critical problems facing the nation. With Im at the helm, there is cautious optimism that the government can develop and implement strategies to address these significant demographic shifts.

Before this appointment, Im served as the Director of the Policy Planning Office of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, where he was promoted to the position of Planning and Coordination Director in November of last year. His previous experience also includes holding the role of Secretary-General of the Presidential Committee on Low Birth Rates and Aging Society, making him well-suited for the responsibilities that lie ahead in addressing the population policy challenges faced by the current administration.