The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade appointed it’s first female vice spokesperson as part of its efforts to enhance communication with the public, officials said Saturday.

Former journalist Han Hye-jin, 49, was selected through a competitive hiring process in which 10 people including some from outside the ministry like Han applied, officials said.

“She is well versed in journalism, public relations and international affairs. We expect her to contribute to better communication with citizens,” a ministry official said, declining to be named.

Han worked at the local daily Kyunghyang Shinmun between 1984 and 1998. She started public service in 2005 as a public relations official at Korea Coast Guard. She joined the ministry as promotional staff in 2006.

Between April 2009 and December 2010 she worked as an administrative staff at the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae. She holds a bachelor’s degree in home management from Seoul National University and a master’s degree in journalism from Boston University.

By Song Sang-ho (sshluck@heraldcorp.com)