South Korea Appoints First Civilian Defence Minister in Over Six Decades
South Korea’s new president, Lee Jae Myung, has named a civilian as defence minister for the first time in more than 60 years, signaling a major shift in the country’s military leadership following the fallout from a failed martial law attempt by his predecessor.
Lee appointed five-term lawmaker Ahn Gyu Back, a prominent member of the ruling Democratic Party, to lead the defence ministry—breaking with a longstanding tradition of selecting retired military generals for the role.
Ahn has served on the National Assembly’s defence committee and chaired a special legislative panel that investigated former president Yoon Suk Yeol’s controversial martial law declaration last December. His appointment comes as several former top defence officials, including ex-minister Kim Yong Hyun, face criminal prosecution for their roles in that failed attempt to seize emergency powers.
“All of South Korea’s defence ministers since the 1961 military coup have come from the armed forces—even after democratisation in the 1980s,” said presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon Sik. “As the first civilian minister of defence in 64 years, Mr Ahn will lead the transformation of the military following its mobilisation during martial law.”
While Ahn must face a parliamentary confirmation hearing, the process is widely expected to proceed smoothly, as the Democratic Party controls a strong majority in the National Assembly. Legislative approval is not required for the appointment to proceed.
The historic nomination is part of President Lee’s broader effort to restore civilian control over key institutions and distance his administration from Yoon’s legacy. Yoon was impeached and removed from office earlier this month for violating constitutional duties through his unlawful martial law decree.
President Lee took office without a formal transition period due to Yoon’s abrupt ouster. Monday’s appointments mark a decisive step in establishing a new administration focused on transparency, accountability, and civilian leadership.
