The Ministry of Public Administration and Security on Thursday announced the list of 242 successful applicants for the national exam to employ fifth rank officials, which includes 124 female applicants (51.2 percent). The ratio of successful female applicants has been increasing, from 38.4 percent in 2004 to 49 percent in 2007.

In terms of occupational sector, international trade drew the highest ratio of successful female applicants at 64.7 percent (11 out of 17). Female applicants earned top scores in several sectors, including finance and economy, judicial administration, prosecution affairs as well as general administration. In the general administration group, which hires the most new government officials (98), Kim Hye-ju, a graduate of Seoul National University, ranked top.

The average age of successful applicants was 26.1 compared with last year's 25.9. In the meantime, the ratio of successful female applicants for this year's foreign-service exam to become diplomats was 65.7 percent.

(englishnews@chosun.com )