Who is the New Foreign Minister of South Korea?
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Synopsis
In an exciting reshuffle, President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea has appointed a new foreign minister among 11 key Cabinet roles. This strategic move highlights the administration's focus on diplomatic expertise and political experience. Keep reading to discover the key figures in this new Cabinet lineup and their anticipated impacts on national and international affairs.
Key Takeaways
- Cho Hyun appointed as new foreign minister, bringing extensive diplomatic experience.
- Ahn Gyu-back to be the first civilian defence minister since 1961.
- Strategic Cabinet reshuffle reflects focus on foreign relations and defense.
- Experienced leaders nominated for key roles in unification and science.
- Commitment to climate initiatives highlighted through ministerial appointments.
Seoul, June 23 (NationPress) The President of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, announced on Monday the appointment of a highly experienced diplomat as the new foreign minister while revealing his selections for 11 Cabinet roles, which include defence and unification ministers, as per the presidential office.
Former First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has been appointed as the new foreign minister, while five-term Democratic Party (DP) legislator Ahn Gyu-back has been named the defence minister.
Cho previously held the positions of first and second vice minister under the Moon Jae-in administration and served as the South Korean ambassador to the United Nations from 2019 to 2022.
Ahn is a seasoned politician with extensive experience on the defence subcommittee of the National Assembly. If he is confirmed, he will become the first 'civilian' defence minister since 1961, a year when former President Park Chung-hee took control through a military coup.
Additionally, Chung Dong-young, a former journalist and experienced DP lawmaker, has been nominated for unification minister, overseeing inter-Korean relations. Chung served in this role during the Roh Moo-hyun administration from 2004 to 2005.
Bae Kyung-hoon, who leads LG AI Research, has been selected as the minister for science and ICT, while former conservative lawmaker Kwon Oh-eul has been appointed as the minister for veterans affairs.
Lee has also included current DP lawmakers in his ministerial appointments. Rep. Kim Sung-whan is expected to take on the role of environment minister. Kim was co-chairman of the policy headquarters for Lee's election campaign and was instrumental in formulating various election commitments related to climate and energy.
Kim, who serves on the Special Committee on Climate Crisis in the National Assembly, has advocated for phasing out nuclear power and promoting renewable energy. His legislative efforts include amending the Act on Promotion of Development and Distribution of Environment-Friendly Motor Vehicles.
Rep. Kang Sun-woo has been appointed as minister for gender equality, while Rep. Jun Jae-soo will oversee oceans.
Han Seong-sook, the former CEO of South Korea's internet giant Naver Corp., has been selected to head the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.
Kim Young-hoon, the previous leader of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, has been appointed as the labor minister, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Song Mi-ryeong, who currently serves as the agriculture minister, will continue in her role.
Furthermore, Yoon Chang-yul, the former first deputy director of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, has been named its director.
Point of View
This Cabinet reshuffle demonstrates President Lee's commitment to enhancing South Korea's diplomatic presence and reinforcing its political landscape with experienced leaders. The appointment of figures like Cho Hyun and Ahn Gyu-back signals a strategic focus on both foreign relations and national defense, aligning with the evolving geopolitical landscape.
NationPress
23/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been appointed as the new foreign minister of South Korea?
Former First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has been appointed as the new foreign minister by President Lee Jae Myung.
What is significant about the new defence minister's appointment?
Ahn Gyu-back, the new defence minister, will be the first civilian to hold the position since 1961, marking a notable shift in South Korea's military leadership.
What roles have been filled in the new Cabinet?
President Lee has appointed 11 new ministers, including those for defence, unification, science and ICT, and gender equality, among others.
What experience does Cho Hyun bring to his new role?
Cho Hyun has extensive diplomatic experience, having served as vice minister under the previous administration and as ambassador to the United Nations.
How does this reshuffle reflect on South Korea's political strategy?
The reshuffle indicates a strategic focus on leveraging experienced politicians to navigate complex domestic and international challenges.
