WNAM REPORT: President Yoon Suk Yeol nominated Kim Yong-hyun, the current head of the Presidential Security Service, as the nation’s new defense minister, the presidential office announced, Monday.
He also tapped the current Defense Minister Shin Won-sik as the new national security adviser. The incumbent adviser, Chang Ho-jin, will transition to the newly created role of special presidential adviser for foreign affairs and security.
In his remarks during a press briefing at the presidential office in Seoul, Kim emphasized his commitment to strengthening national security in line with the president’s directives.
“The domestic and international security situation is more serious than ever, and security is directly linked to the economy,” he said. “If appointed as the minister of national defense, I will fully support the president in establishing a robust security posture. Through this, I aim to contribute not only to the development of the national economy but also to the stability of people’s livelihoods.”
Born in 1959, the three-star general is known to possess a deep understanding of the military, with a comprehensive grasp of strategy and tactics, according to the presidential office.
He is required to go through a National Assembly confirmation hearing, although a date has not been set.
Shin, the current defense minister, will be transferred to lead the National Security Office.
A senior presidential official explained that Shin, a three-star army general and former lawmaker, is a well-suited candidate for the role given the increasingly volatile international landscape and the growing need for security expertise over diplomatic experience.
In addition, Chang, the current national security adviser, was tapped to be the special presidential adviser for foreign affairs and security.
“The president has decided to appoint a special adviser on foreign affairs and security to focus on managing strategic tasks related to the nation’s core interests,” presidential chief of staff Chung Jin-suk said.
“The newly appointed special adviser, Chang, is a seasoned diplomat with deep expertise in the major powers’ diplomacy, including North Korea’s nuclear issue and relations with Russia.”
The creation of the new position is due to the complex and pressing economic and security issues that have become overwhelming for key ministers, who are already burdened with their existing responsibilities, according to an official at the presidential office. Chang’s new role is expected to address various critical matters, including relations with China and Russia, the upcoming U.S. presidential election, and more, to manage these issues effectively.
Meanwhile, former Constitutional Court Judge Ahn Chang-ho, has been nominated to chair the National Human Rights Commission of Korea. He will also need to undergo a confirmation hearing at the Assembly.
