President Lee Jae-myung has tapped veteran lawmaker Ahn Gyu-back to serve as South Korea’s first civilian defense minister in more than six decades, a move aimed at reinforcing democratic control over the armed forces in the wake of last year’s martial law chaos.

Ahn has served for nearly two decades on the National Assembly’s Defense Committee, including as chair, and is regarded as one of the legislature’s most experienced defense policymakers. 

Yet as North Korea advances its nuclear and missile programs, while embracing gray zone tacticsalong the border, Ahn’s nomination has prompted scrutiny over whether a civilian can credibly