Lee picks veteran as first civilian defence chief

Seoul

On Monday, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung named five-term lawmaker Ahn Gyu-back as Defence Minister, marking the first civilian appointment to the post in 64 years. Ahn, from the Democratic Party, is known for his work on the National Assembly’s defence subcommittee. His nomination reflects Lee’s campaign promise to reform the military, especially following last year’s brief martial law under ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik said Ahn is expected to lead key military reforms. Lee also announced 11 new Cabinet nominees. Former Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun was selected as Foreign Minister for his experience in multilateral diplomacy and trade, including roles at the UN and under the Moon Jae-in government.

Veteran lawmaker Chung Dong-young was nominated as Unification Minister, bringing past experience in that role. Tech expert Bae Kyung-hoon was tapped for Science and ICT, while former lawmaker Kwon Oh-eul was chosen as Veterans Affairs Minister.

Other picks include DP lawmakers Kim Sung-whan (Environment), Kang Sun-woo (Gender Equality), and Jun Jae-soo (Oceans). Former Naver CEO Han Seong-sook will head SMEs and Startups, and ex-union leader Kim Young-hoon was named Labour Minister. Song Mi-ryeong will continue as Agriculture Minister.

Lee also appointed Yoon Chang-yul as head of Government Policy Coordination. Kang said the appointments reflect Lee’s pragmatic approach and aim to deliver results in diplomacy, climate policy, and easing inter-Korean tensions. Confirmation hearings will follow, though Cabinet posts don’t require National Assembly approval.