CHOI Yong-seok, the 42nd President of NIFS, has an inauguration ceremony on January 29, starting his official tasks.

After entering the public service in 1995, the President has served the Deputy Minister of Fisheries Policy Office, MOF since April 2023, after having successively filled various government posts including Director General of Fisheries Policy Bureau, MOF; Director General of Fishery Resources Policy Bureau, MOF; Director of fisheries Infrastructure and Aquaculture Policy Division, Fishery Resources and Policy Division, MOF; Director of Audit and Inspection Division, MOF; Director of Aquacuture Industry Division and Fisheries Policy Division, MOF; Secretary to the Minister, MOF; Attache of Embassy of Republic of Korea in Japan.

He is familiar with fisheries sector, such as fisheries policy, fisheries resources, aquaculture, etc. In particular, he led the success of achieving $3 billion seafood exports for two consecutive years, while holding the positions of the Deputy Minister of Fisheries Policy Office, MOF and the Director General of Fisheries Policy Bureau, MOF. He holds a high reputation for an expert in fisheries policy with 'quiet leadership' and meticulous task handling.

Based on his global sense and rich experiences in fisheries policy, the President is expected to make a significant contribution for NIFS to be being born as a world's best research institute achieving sustainable oceans and fisheries, delivering happiness to the people, and increasing the income of fishermen by tackling the crisis in fishing industry and fishing community, such as climate change, food security, deteriorated fisheries resources, decreased fishery population, etc.