President Lee Jae-myung carries out personnel appointments in 11 ministries
President Lee Jae-myung designated candidates for the ministers of 11 ministries, including the Ministry of Science and ICT, on the 23rd.
Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik officially announced the new government's first large-scale personnel appointment during a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office.
Baek Kyung-hoon, the head of LG AI Research Institute, has been appointed as the head of the Ministry of Science and ICT. Baek is recognized as an individual who has led LG Group's AI business and is seen as a fitting choice aligned with President Lee's vision of 'entering the top three AI powers.'
Kang said, “The ministerial candidate for the Ministry of Science and ICT is a scholar and entrepreneur in AI, having received the Industrial Medal of Honor for the commercialization of super-large AI,” adding, “We expect that he will collaborate with Chief AI Planning Officer Ha Jeong-soo to enhance the national competitiveness in AI.”
In the IT industry, Han Sung-sook, the CEO of Naver, has been appointed as the candidate for the Minister of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Startups, expected to lead policies suitable for small businesses in the digital economy era.
Kang noted, “Candidate Han has driven innovation through LINE and Naver Webtoon, and is recognized as one of Forbes' International Power Women for four consecutive years,” adding, “Based on her extensive experience and understanding of the relevant field, she will bring new ideas to the strategy for nurturing small and medium enterprises.”
In the field of diplomacy, Cho Hyun, former ambassador to the UN, has been nominated as the candidate for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, while Jeong Dong-young, a member of the Democratic Party, has been nominated for the Minister of Unification.
Kang remarked that Cho, who has served as the first and second vice ministers of foreign affairs, is well-regarded for his extensive experience in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. He added, “Having served as the Director of the International Economic Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he is also knowledgeable about trade issues and will actively address customs issues and Middle Eastern challenges.”
Regarding Jeong Dong-young, Kang said, “He possesses abundant experience and a strong philosophy for peace on the Korean Peninsula,” and added, “He is a suitable person to create dialogue conditions with North Korea and to help ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula.”
Rep. Ahn Gyu-baek nominated as the first civilian Minister of National Defense in 64 years
Ahn Gyu-baek, a member of the Democratic Party, has been selected as the Minister of National Defense. If appointed, Ahn will make history as the first civilian Minister of National Defense in 64 years.
Kang stated about Ahn, “As the first civilian Minister of National Defense in 64 years, he will be responsible for leading the changes in the military mobilized during the martial law.”
Kwon Oh-eul, vice chairman of the Republic of Korea Constitutional Association, has been nominated as the Minister of Veterans Affairs, while Kim Sung-hwan, a member of the Democratic Party, has been designated as the Minister of Environment.
The current Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, Song Mi-ryung, has been retained to maintain policy continuity.
The current Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, Song Mi-ryung, has been retained.
From the labor sector, Kim Young-hoon, the former chairman of the Democratic Labor Union Federation, has been appointed as the Minister of Employment and Labor. Kang expressed expectations that he would play a role in enhancing workers' rights through the reduction of industrial accidents, amendments to the yellow envelope law, and the implementation of a 4.5-day work week.
For the Ministers of Oceans and Fisheries and Gender Equality and Family, Jeon Jae-soo and Kang Sun-woo, respectively, have been nominated. Additionally, Yoon Chang-ryeol, the head of LG Global Strategy Development Institute, has been appointed as the Chief of the Office for Government Policy Coordination.
This personnel appointment is evaluated as an important signal that can gauge the new government's direction in governance and policy.
Image source: From left, Baek Kyung-hoon nominated as the Minister of Science and ICT, Cho Hyun nominated as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeong Dong-young nominated as the Minister of Unification, Ahn Gyu-baek nominated as the Minister of National Defense, Kwon Oh-eul nominated as the Minister of Veterans Affairs, Song Mi-ryung retained as the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Kim Sung-hwan nominated as the Minister of Environment, Kim Young-hoon nominated as the Minister of Employment and Labor, Kang Sun-woo nominated as the Minister of Gender Equality and Family, Jeon Jae-soo nominated as the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Han Sung-sook nominated as the Minister of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Startups, and Yoon Chang-ryeol nominated as the Chief of the Office for Government Policy Coordination. 2025.6.23/News1 (Provided by the Presidential Office), Jeong Dong-young, Democratic Party member / News1, Ahn Gyu-baek / News1, Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik announced the ministerial candidates for the appointments on the 23rd at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul. 2025.6.23/News1
