The Korea Racing Authority said Wednesday that it has appointed Hyun Myung-kwan, former Samsung C&T chairman, as its new chairman and CEO.

Born on Jejudo, the newly appointed chairman studied law at Seoul National University and served as a senior official at the Board of Audit and Inspection after passing the civil service examination in 1965.

He then went on to serve in various positions with Samsung Group, including chief secretary to Samsung owner Lee Kun-hee. He twice ran unsuccessfully in the gubernatorial race on his home island. More recently, he helped in President Park Geun-hye’s election campaign last year.

Chairman Hyun’s term will end in December 2016 and the inauguration ceremony will take place Thursday at the KRA headquarters in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province.

(jhk@heraldcorp.com)