Tae-Shin Kwon,

Mr. Kwon was born in Young-Cheon, Republic of Korea, in 1949.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Economics from Seoul National University in 1972, and went on to obtain a Masters degrees in Economics from Seoul National University and Vanderbilt University in the United States. He also holds an M.B.A. from City University London, U.K.

Mr Kwon joined the Korean Ministry of Finance and Economy in 1977, after completing 4 years of military service as First Lieutenant within the Korean Air Force. He spent the first part of his career between 1982-86 lecturing in international finance at Kook-min university and Tong-Duck university. Thereafter, his career took him through a variety of postings within the Ministry, including some key advisory roles.  Over the period of 1991-1994, Mr Kwon served as Director of the Economic Cooperation Division, International Organizations Division and Overseas Investment Division.  He went on to fill key positions within the Budget Office before being assigned to the position of Deputy Director-General of the International Finance Bureau in 1996.  At this point, Mr. Kwon’s career with the Ministry took him abroad to the U.K., where he spent three years as Financial Counsellor within the Korean Embassy in London.

Upon his return to Korea in 2001, He served as Secretary to the President in Industrial Policy and Telecommunications.  In 2002, he was made Director-General of the International Finance Bureau, and in 2003 was promoted to the position of Deputy Minister for International Affairs within the Ministry of Finance and Economy.

In July 2004, Mr. Kwon was assigned to the Presidential Office in the capacity of Secretary to the President in Economic policy. Indeed, this was the fourth Presidential office position Mr. Kwon has held over the course of his career, each to different Presidents. One year later, Mr. Kwon was appointed Vice Minister of Finance and Economy, a position which he held up until his appointment as Korean Permanent Representative to the OECD.

Mr. Kwon is very active in sports including golf and tennis.

Ambassador Kwon took up his post on 19 May 2006.