Mon Jun 23 06:00:32 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who took office after the impeachment of his predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol over a martial law attempt, has appointed a new cabinet. Key appointments include Ahn Gyu-back as the first civilian Defence Minister in 64 years, Cho Hyun as Foreign Minister, and Chung Dong-young as Unification Minister. These appointments are part of Lee’s efforts to unify a divided nation, address the fallout from the previous administration’s actions, and formulate a response to new US tariffs while supporting the South Korean economy.

## News Article:

**South Korea Appoints First Civilian Defence Minister in Decades Amid Political Shift**

**SEOUL, June 23, 2025** – South Korean President Lee Jae Myung today named Ahn Gyu-back, a veteran lawmaker, as the country’s first civilian Defence Minister in 64 years. This landmark appointment follows a period of political turmoil sparked by a controversial martial law decree issued by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was subsequently impeached.

President Lee, who assumed office on June 4th, is working to establish a new cabinet and address the deep divisions within the nation. In addition to the Defence Minister, he appointed Cho Hyun, a former UN ambassador, as Foreign Minister, and Chung Dong-young, a North Korea diplomacy advocate, as Unification Minister.

The appointments are subject to review by parliament, but do not require formal approval. The move is seen as a significant step towards reforming the military, particularly in light of the previous Defence Minister’s involvement in planning the now-overturned martial law.

President Lee faces the challenge of uniting a politically fractured country and navigating a complex international landscape, including new tariffs imposed by the United States. He has pledged to pursue pragmatic diplomacy focused on supporting South Korea’s export-oriented economy, particularly in key sectors like automobiles, semiconductors, and steelmaking.

Earlier this month, Lee nominated Kim Min-seok, a long-term member of parliament, as Prime Minister, a position that requires parliamentary approval. Further cabinet appointments were announced today, including Ministers for Agriculture, Environment, Labour, and Maritime Affairs. The new administration hopes these changes will signal a fresh start and pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future for South Korea.

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