HONOLULU » The University of Hawaii says two South Koreans who earned doctorates from the school’s economics department have recently been appointed to the cabinet of South Korean President Lee Myung-bak.

Choi Joong-kyung earned his Ph.D. in 2003. He is Seoul’s new Ministry of Knowledge Economy and is due to handle government export and corporate policy.

Kim Dong-soo has been appointed the 16th chairman of South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission. The former chief executive of the Korea Export-Import Bank earned his Manoa doctorate in 1997.

Department Chair Denise Eby Konan said Monday she remembers having both men in her microeconomics and international trade classes, and they were outstanding students. She says it’s gratifying to know the university plays a role in shaping the knowledge and expertise of leaders in the Asia-Pacific region.