Seoul, June 23, 2025 — In a historic and symbolic move, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung appointed Ahn Gyu-back as the country’s first civilian Defence Minister in over six decades, marking a sharp break from military leadership in national security matters. This appointment, part of a broader Cabinet overhaul, aims to restore democratic trust and transparency after the country was rocked by a martial law scandal under the previous administration.

Fulfilling a Key Campaign Promise

Lee Jae Myung, who assumed office earlier this month following a snap presidential election, had promised to bring civilians back into key decision-making roles, particularly in the wake of public outrage over the military's role in a failed martial law conspiracy last year.

During his campaign, Lee repeatedly emphasized that civilian control over the military was non-negotiable, especially after it was revealed that senior defence officials under ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol had plotted an authoritarian crackdown, citing national security as pretext.

“The people have spoken clearly: we want a government that answers to civilians, not the military,” Lee had said in his victory speech on June 4.

Who is Ahn Gyu-back?

The newly appointed Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back is a seasoned lawmaker and former head of the National Assembly's Defence Committee, known for his measured stance on security issues, his commitment to transparency, and prior military service in a non-command role.

Ahn, 64, is also widely respected for his cross-party engagement and efforts to reform South Korea’s controversial military conscription system, which has long faced criticism for abuse and lack of oversight.

“It is an honour to serve at this critical time,” Ahn said in a brief statement. “I intend to ensure the Defence Ministry upholds democratic values and earns back the trust of our citizens.”

His appointment marks the first time since 1961 — following South Korea's last major military coup — that a non-career military official has taken charge of the defence portfolio.

Cabinet Shake-Up: 10 Ministers Named

President Lee's office also announced 10 other ministerial appointments, many of them civilians or technocrats, signaling a complete break from the militarized, politicized leadership of the Yoon administration.

Among the key appointments:

• Cho Hyun, a former South Korean ambassador to the United Nations, was named Foreign Minister. Known for his firm diplomatic stance and multilateral engagement, Cho’s appointment is expected to stabilize international relations post-crisis.

• Chung Dong-young, a progressive politician and former Unification Minister during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, was reappointed to lead efforts with North Korea. A long-time advocate for peaceful reunification and humanitarian engagement, Chung’s return signals a possible shift in South Korea’s policy toward dialogue with Pyongyang.

• Ministers for Agriculture, Environment, Labour, and Maritime Affairs were also announced, with a focus on climate sustainability, workers’ rights, and rural revitalization.

These Cabinet positions, under Korean law, do not require formal parliamentary approval, but are subject to confirmation hearings in the National Assembly, which can be politically contentious.

Fallout from the Martial Law Scandal

The reshuffle comes just months after a failed martial law proposal by the Yoon administration led to the president’s impeachment and subsequent removal from office. The former Defence Minister, Kim Yong-hyun, is currently on trial for insurrection, accused of drafting plans to deploy military forces to suppress public dissent amid plummeting presidential approval ratings.

Reports suggested that Kim had drawn up plans to station troops across major cities, suspend media freedoms, and dissolve parliament under emergency powers.

President Lee’s election in the snap polls held in May 2025 was largely fueled by widespread public anger at the attempted subversion of democratic institutions.

Public and Political Reaction

The reaction to Ahn Gyu-back’s appointment has been broadly positive across political and civil society lines.

• Military veterans groups expressed cautious optimism, noting Ahn’s prior familiarity with military procedures despite being a civilian.

• Opposition parties acknowledged the historical nature of the appointment but warned that “symbolism must be matched with effective governance.”

• Civic activists and youth groups, who had staged large-scale protests last December, hailed the move as a “restoration of civilian dignity and democratic command”.

“For the first time in our generation, we see a Defence Minister who owes his loyalty to the people, not the barracks,” said Kim Eun-sung, a student leader from Yonsei University.

Challenges Ahead for Ahn Gyu-back

While the symbolism is powerful, Defence Minister Ahn faces significant operational challenges:

1. Rebuilding public trust in the armed forces after their role in the martial law crisis.

2. Institutional reforms to enhance civilian oversight and reduce undue military influence.

3. Managing escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, particularly with North Korea’s continued missile tests and nuclear ambitions.

4. Navigating US-South Korea defence cooperation under evolving regional alliances and China’s growing military assertiveness.

Observers say that while Ahn’s lack of military command experience may cause internal resistance, his legislative background and bipartisan rapport could help him push reforms through a divided National Assembly.

What Comes Next?

President Lee’s early days in office have been packed with decisive action — from restoring journalistic freedom, to promising a new commission to investigate abuses under martial law plans, to initiating reconciliation with disaffected youth who formed the backbone of the protests.

This latest announcement is expected to further solidify Lee's domestic legitimacy, although his administration still faces a volatile global environment and a fragile economy.

“This Cabinet marks a new beginning for the Republic of Korea,” said Lee during a brief televised address. “Our security will be built not on fear and force, but on unity, trust, and the rule of law.”

In naming Ahn Gyu-back as South Korea’s first civilian Defence Minister in 64 years, President Lee Jae Myung has sent a bold message: The era of military dominance over civilian affairs is over. Democracy, not the doctrine of force, will guide the nation's future.

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