Hong Jong-hak

Hong Jong-hak (born 12 May 1959) is an emeritus professor of economics at Gachon University previously served as President Moon Jae-in's first Minister of SMEs and Startups.

For the 2012 general election, he left Gachon University where he first started his teaching career in 1992 as a lecturer. As a parliamentarian, he took numerous roles in his party and its succeeding parties including one of its senior role, Chair of the Policy Planning Committee.

After announcing that he will not seek for re-election, he joined then-candidate Moon's presidential campaign.

He previously hosted radio show explaining economic issues at MBC Radio.

He holds three degrees in economics - a bachelor and master's from Yonsei University and a doctorate from University of California, San Diego.