Private-Sector Experts and Opposition Figures Included in Cabinet Appointments
Ahn Gyubaek, the First Civilian Nominated as Minister of National Defense in 64 Years
Kwon Oeul Named as Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs
Song Miryeong, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs from the Yoon Administration, Retained
President Lee Jae-myung has carried out his first cabinet appointments since taking office. The list of ministerial candidates for 11 ministries, announced on the 23rd, is notable for the prominent inclusion of private-sector experts and bold appointments that span both progressive and conservative backgrounds. President Lee nominated a major corporate research institute director and an IT company CEO as ministers, and also selected figures from the conservative opposition and previous administrations. The appointment of a former chairperson of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) as Minister of Employment and Labor, as well as the nomination of a civilian as Minister of National Defense for the first time in 64 years, has drawn particular attention. This is seen as a clear reflection of President Lee’s governing philosophy, which emphasizes competence, pragmatism, and national unity. It stands in sharp contrast to the early cabinet of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, which was primarily composed of former prosecutors, conservative figures, and elite bureaucrats.
The Presidential Office announced President Lee Jae-myung's ministerial cabinet appointments on the 23rd through a briefing by Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hoon-sik. From the top row, left to right: Ministerial candidate for the Ministry of Science and ICT Baek Kyung-hoon, Ministerial candidate for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun, Ministerial candidate for the Ministry of Unification Jung Dong-young, Ministerial candidate for the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul, and reappointed Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryeong. From the bottom row, left to right: Ministerial candidate for the Ministry of Environment Kim Sung-hwan, Ministerial candidate for the Ministry of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon, Ministerial candidate for the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Kang Sun-woo, Ministerial candidate for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Jeon Jae-soo, Ministerial candidate for the Ministry of SMEs and Startups Han Sung-sook, and Yoon Chang-ryeol, appointed as Director of the Office for Government Policy Coordination and Director of LG Global Strategy Development Institute. (Source: Presidential Office) Yonhap News Agency
Baek Kyunghoon, head of the LG AI Research Institute, was nominated as Minister of Science and ICT, while Han Sungsook, former CEO of Naver, was nominated as Minister of SMEs and Startups. Both are seasoned industry experts with extensive experience outside of government, bringing substantial field experience rather than a background in public office. Baek, an authority on artificial intelligence (AI), built his career at LG Electronics and LG AI Research Institute, while Han is a prominent talent in the IT industry, having served as CEO of Naver. These appointments are seen as demonstrating the Lee administration’s commitment to breaking down barriers between the public and private sectors and prioritizing ability above all. In particular, as President Lee has set the goal of making South Korea a global leader in AI, these selections signal his determination to accelerate the development of future industries and revitalize the economy by bringing private-sector innovators to the forefront.
Appointments that transcend ideological lines are also noteworthy. Kwon Oeul, former lawmaker and ministerial candidate for the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, is a prominent conservative politician who served three terms in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, as a member of the Grand National Party (now the People Power Party). Boldly appointing a figure with a different traditional support base serves as a symbolic example of inclusive governance. The Presidential Office expressed hope that Kwon would "lead national unity beyond regions and ideologies." In addition, Kim Younghoon, former KCTU chairperson, was nominated as Minister of Employment and Labor, making him the first labor movement figure included in the cabinet since the change of administration. Bringing together individuals with differing backgrounds on one team is interpreted as a move to prioritize pragmatism and harmony over partisan logic.
It is also unusual that a minister appointed by the previous administration has been retained. Song Miryeong, who was appointed Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, will remain in her post even after the change in government. It is rare for a minister from a previous administration to continue serving after a new government takes office. Although Song previously opposed legislation promoted by the Democratic Party when it was in opposition, President Lee decided to retain her, placing emphasis on her expertise and job performance. The Presidential Office also explained that Song shares the new administration’s governing philosophy, which led to her retention. This is seen as a broad-minded decision to prioritize continuity and pragmatism in state affairs over partisan interests, sending a message that, if necessary, even officials from the previous administration will be appointed.
The nomination of a civilian as Minister of National Defense is also a bold move. For the first time in 64 years since the May 16 military coup in 1961, a non-military candidate has been named to head the Ministry of National Defense, breaking with longstanding tradition. Ahn Gyu-baek, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, is a five-term lawmaker and a defense expert who served 14 years on the National Assembly’s Defense Committee. The appointment of a civilian minister is seen as an effort to strengthen civilian control over the military and push forward military reforms. This stands in clear contrast to the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, which appointed a former Army general as its first Minister of National Defense.
Kim Younghoon, former KCTU chairperson and nominee for Minister of Employment and Labor, is the first ministerial candidate from the KCTU. Kim, who has worked as a train engineer while engaging in the labor movement, was actually operating a train at the time his nomination was announced. It is extremely rare for a frontline worker to be appointed as head of the Ministry of Employment and Labor, and this is interpreted as a strong intention to reflect the voices of workers in policy decisions.
Shortly after his nomination, Kim Younghoon stated, "I will do my utmost to realize a true Republic of Korea where labor is respected," signaling a new approach to labor policy. The Presidential Office described Kim as the right person to lead improvements in workers’ rights, including reducing industrial accidents and promoting a 4.5-day workweek. Unlike the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, which initially appointed bureaucrats or pro-business figures to head the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the selection of Kim Younghoon is seen as a signal that the administration intends to embrace the labor sector as a partner in governance.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Office revealed that some ministerial candidates were also included on lists of individuals recommended by the public through the National Recommendation System. Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hoon-sik stated, "President Lee has noted that the international situation, including the Middle East conflict, is rapidly changing and its impact on our economy is becoming increasingly serious," adding, "He hopes that the confirmation process will proceed quickly so that the cabinet can respond swiftly to the pressing challenges we face."
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