[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] Can a Civilian Defense Minister Resurface?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Ha Tae-kyung, a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, has pledged to appoint a civilian defense minister, sparking increased interest in civilian-origin ministers.

On the 24th, Ha stated at a National Assembly press conference, "It is impossible to innovate the closed military administration with a defense minister from the military who tends to favor insiders," adding, "Someone free from the complex interests within the military should take charge of the Ministry of National Defense to completely eradicate the military's culture of concealment, such as secondary sexual harassment and collective bullying."

However, he added, "This does not mean completely excluding the military," and said, "Once the reform of military administration is successfully underway, civilians and military personnel can alternate as ministers, just like in the United States."

The appointment of a civilian defense minister was also considered immediately after the inauguration of the Roh Moo-hyun administration but was withdrawn due to North Korea's nuclear tests. Nevertheless, President Moon Jae-in has insisted that "the process of civilianizing the Ministry of National Defense through a civilian defense minister is absolutely necessary."

In his autobiography, “Korea Asks - Moon Jae-in Answers for a Completely New Country,” President Moon pointed out, "All previous defense ministers in our country were from the military," and noted, "Only once, after the April 19 Revolution, was there a civilian defense minister in a democratic government cabinet, but it was short-lived due to the May 16 coup, and since then, defense ministers have always been from the military."

However, as former ministers Jeong Kyeong-doo, Song Young-moo, and current minister Seo Wook, all from the army, navy, and air force, have served consecutively in the current administration, some have voiced complaints that a civilian defense minister is practically out of the question.

When former Minister Song Young-moo stepped down, civilian candidates were briefly mentioned. At that time, Democratic Party lawmaker Ahn Gyu-baek, chairman of the National Defense Committee, and former Deputy Minister of National Defense Seo Joo-seok were discussed. However, Ahn was considered out of the scope for a ministerial position as he was mentioned as the Democratic Party floor leader, and Seo faced allegations of involvement in the concealment and fabrication related to the May 18 Democratic Uprising.