On 27 February 2003, President ROH Moo-Hyun appointed Ms. HAN Myung-Sook as the new Minister of Environment.  Prior to her appointment, Ms. Han served as the Minister of Gender Equality since its establishment in January 2001.  A graduate of Ehwa Womens University, with advanced degrees in Christian theology and women studies, Minister Han has long been an active advocate of gender equality, as well as, environmental movement in Korea. She was active in many environmental activities through her previous involvement as a member of Environmental Preservation Committee of the Ministry of Environment, a Committee Member for the Korean Federation for Environmental Movement(Friends of the Earth Korea) and the chief director for the Korea institute for Environmental & Social Policies.