The National Fire Agency said on the 17th that Vice Administrator Kim Seung-ryong (59), who has been serving as acting administrator, will take office as the 7th administrator on the 18th.
Administrator Kim said in an inaugural address released that day, "In response to changes in the disaster environment such as climate change, increasingly complex urban settings, and the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the robotics industry, I will open a new horizon for firefighting." Specifically, he set out ▲ building a core platform for disaster response ▲ an AI transition for firefighting ▲ a leap to an intelligent organization ▲ support for making K-firefighting industry a global standard.
Administrator Kim emphasized "life, solidarity, and dedication" as the core values the firefighting organization should pursue. He said, "We will keep our ears open to voices from the field and work in step together, expand transparent personnel management and performance-based rewards," adding, "We will be a solid pillar the public can trust and lean on, always standing by your side."
Born in Iksan, North Jeolla, Administrator Kim entered public service in 1997 as a member of the 9th class of fire officer candidates and has held a wide range of key field and administrative posts, including head of the North Jeolla Fire Headquarters, firefighting policy officer at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, spokesperson of the National Fire Agency, director general of equipment and technology, head of the Central Fire Service Academy, and head of the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Fire Headquarters. Through this, he is regarded as a safety expert who combines on-site command capability with planning and administrative competence.
In particular, he has earned the trust of employees with rational leadership that values communication, cooperation, and solidarity within the organization. He is seen as the right person to lead swift on-site response and the establishment of a sophisticated command system amid an increasingly complex disaster environment.