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