Before serving as Minister of Industry, Trade and Energy, Mr. Joo was Vice Minister of Strategy and Finance (Jul 2014 – Dec 2015). He also worked in the Blue House and was the Secretary to the President for Economy and Financial Affairs (March 2013 – July 2014).
Minister Joo also served as Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Strategy and Finance (Jan 2012 – March 2013).
While serving at the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, Joo also held leadership positions in the International Economic Affairs Bureau (Sept 2009 – Apr 2011) and the Growth Infrastructure of Policy Coordination Bureau (Feb 2009 – Sept 2009). Prior to rejoining government in 2009, Minister Joo was a Senior Advisor for Science, Technology, and Innovation at the Inter-American Development Bank (Dec 2005 – May 2008).
Joo graduated from Seoul National University and received a master’s degree in business administration at the University of Illinois.