Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) Professor Dong-hee Kwak (Graduate School, Department of Bio-Convergence Science) was appointed as a private member of the Presidential Committee on National Water Management.

The Presidential Committee on National Water Management (co-chair: Prime Minister Kim Min-seok) announced that it appointed a new private-sector chair and 23 private members on February 3, 2026, and plans to fully implement an integrated water-management policy based on communication and cooperation. The term of the appointed private chair and members is three years, from February 3, 2026, to February 2, 2029.

The Presidential Committee on National Water Management is the highest-level public–private joint body in the water sector established in 2019 under the Water Management Basic Act. It is responsible for setting national water policy objectives, deliberating and deciding major policies, and mediating water disputes. The committee is co-chaired by the Prime Minister and a private-sector chair, and is composed of ex officio members such as ministers of related ministries and appointed members representing academia and civil society in the water sector.

Professor Kwak has served as Principal Investigator on major commissioned research projects that have helped define the direction of national water management policy, including the comprehensive evaluation of Phase II (2011–2020) of the Saemangeum watershed water quality improvement master plan, and the comprehensive evaluation and development of improvement measures for the short-term measures of the Saemangeum watershed Phase III water quality improvement plan.

He has also served as a member of the Yeongsan and Seomjin River Watershed Water Management Committee, as chair of the Seomjin River Dam Water Environment Council, and as an advisory member to the Presidential Committee on Balanced National Development, and has been actively engaged as an expert in the field of water management.

He also serves as director of the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Environmental Education Center, leading local environmental education. He has served as director of the Jeonbuk Green Environment Support Center and as standing representative of the Jeonbuk Special Self‑Governing Province Council for Sustainable Development, among other roles, continuing various social contribution activities.

Professor Kwak has been recognized for his academic achievements and public contributions, receiving awards such as the Korean Water and Wastewater Society Paper Award (2006), a Presidential Citation (2021), and a citation from the Governor of Jeonbuk Special Self‑Governing Province (2024).