Kang Bong-kyun ( Korean : 강봉균 ; May 13, 1943 ? January 31, 2017) was a South Korean economist and politician who served as Minister of Finance from 1999 to 2000 during the height and aftermath of the Asian financial crisis . ^[1] Kang was appointed Finance Minister by President Kim Dae-jung at a time when many other politicians and civil servants refused to take the cabinet position. ^[1] The financial crisis stemmed from reckless borrowing and spending from the South Korean banking sector, as well as mismanagement by the chaebol , or South Korean business conglomerates . ^[1]

Though Kang held the portfolio of Minister of Finance for less than a year, he is credited with guiding the South Korean economy through the most difficult period in the country's history. ^[1] His work laid the foundation for the economy's eventual recovery and return to growth following the financial crisis. ^[1] Under Kang, South Korea implemented higher standards governing the accounting practices of privately held and listed conglomerates and corporations. ^[1] He also established harsher financial regulations. ^[1]

Kang stepped down in 2000 after less than a year in office when he was appointed to lead the state-run Korea Development Institute . ^[1]

Kang Bong-kyun died on Jan. 31, 2017, at age 74. ^[1]

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