From Politics to Policy: The Leadership Journey of Minister K in South Korea's Ministry of Gender Equality and Family

This study analyzes the leadership of a former Minister of Gender Equality and Family, focusing on how her leadership was manifested in organizational culture, policy planning, and external collaboration. Drawing on qualitative analysis of Minister K’s media interviews and public policy statements, the study explores how her professional background, problem recognition, and practical strategies contributed to organizational change. The findings suggest that the minister's leadership was characterized by a pragmatic approach and strategic planning capacity that differed from traditional bureaucratic models. Her leadership emphasized horizontal communication, prioritization of internal personnel, and a focus on the perspectives of actual policy users. This study offers implications for understanding the conditions under which political leadership can drive real change and coordination within bureaucratic organizations. It also contributes to the theoretical and practical discourse by challenging the conventional separation between policy planning and organizational management.