Hong Jong-hak (Korean: 홍종학; Hanja: 洪鍾學; born 12 May 1959) is an emeritus professor of economics at Gachon University^[1] previously served as President Moon Jae-in's first Minister of SMEs and Startups.

For the 2012 general election, he left Gachon University where he first started his teaching career in 1992 as a lecturer.^[2] As a parliamentarian, he took numerous roles in his party and its succeeding parties including one of its senior role, Chair of the Policy Planning Committee.^[3]

After announcing that he will not seek for re-election, he joined then-candidate Moon's presidential campaign.^[4]

He previously hosted radio show explaining economic issues at MBC Radio.^[5]

He holds three degrees in economics - a bachelor and master's from Yonsei University and a doctorate from University of California, San Diego.^[2]