Lee Jae Myung breaks tradition by nominating first civilian defense minister in 64 years

In June 2025, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung made a significant decision by nominating Ahn Gyu Back, a five-term liberal lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party, as the country’s first civilian defense minister in over six decades. This historic choice marks a departure from the long-standing practice of appointing retired military generals to the position, which has persisted since the military coup of 1961 led by Park Chung-hee, a period that fundamentally shaped South Korea's political landscape. Ahn Gyu Back has previously served on the National Assembly's defense committee and chaired a legislative panel that investigated the controversies surrounding former President Yoon Suk Yeol's 2024 martial law decree. This decree had involved the illegal mobilization of troops to suppress political opposition and the legislative process, which caused a wave of criticism and prompted calls for stronger civilian control over military operations in South Korea. President Lee's decision is emblematic of his commitment to reform and to change the power dynamics within the South Korean military structure. The political backdrop of this appointment is critical, as former defense officials, including ex-Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, are currently facing criminal charges for their involvement in the martial law declaration under the past administration. These developments have created an urgent need for a new direction in military leadership, reinforcing President Lee's objective to ensure that the military operates under civilian oversight. Additionally, during his election campaign, President Lee pledged to install a defense minister with a civilian profile, and this appointment fulfills that promise. Given the Democratic Party’s significant majority in the National Assembly, Ahn’s legislative hearing for confirmation is anticipated to be a formality, allowing for a smooth transition into this pivotal role. Ahn Gyu Back’s appointment as the first civilian minister of defense since 1961 signifies not just a change in leadership but a potential transformation in how the military is governed and its relationship with the civilian government. His responsibilities will include overseeing the military’s reorganization as it navigates the consequences of its past involvement in martial law. This shift is expected to enhance the checks and balances within the defense sector and to restore public trust in military operations amidst the backdrop of recent political turmoil. The nomination of other ministers, including Chung Dong Young as unification minister and Cho Hyun as foreign minister, demonstrates President Lee’s broader strategy to construct a cohesive cabinet to address multifaceted challenges, particularly those related to national defense and inter-Korean relations. Ultimately, Ahn's role will not only define his ministerial career but will also impact the future of South Korea’s military policy, governance, and its approach to maintaining security in a complex geopolitical environment. The appointment sends a strong message of accountability and reform, indicating a pivotal moment in South Korea’s quest to modernize its military and governance structures, moving away from decades of military-centric leadership in defense affairs.