South Korea Overhauls Industry Ministry to Boost Economic Security

South Korea economic security reforms are set to accelerate as the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources undertakes its biggest reorganisation in 12 years, creating a new Industry Resources Security Office to act as a control tower for supply-chain and trade security.

The Cabinet-approved plan adds one office-level unit, a director-level post, four divisions and 36 staff, the ministry said.

South Korea economic security initiatives will also include appointing an industrial AI policy director and setting up two AI-focused divisions to speed artificial intelligence adoption in manufacturing.

Trade policy functions will be reinforced with a new Korea–U.S. Trade Cooperation Division, while a permanent advanced civil-military unit will support defence exports.

The ministry will also upgrade petrochemicals oversight and consolidate regulatory reform work.