Why Seoul is betting on a civilian defense chief in face of North Korean threats



Analysis Why Seoul is betting on a civilian defense chief in face of North Korean threats Ahn Gyu-back faces challenge of pushing reform after martial law, countering DPRK and managing US alliance under Trump Joon Ha Park June 25, 2025 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON Ahn Gyu-back, South Korea’s nominee for Defense Minister, and ROK Army K9 howitzers conducting live-fire drills in Oct. 2023 \| Image: Ahn Gyu-back via Naver Blog, ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff, edited by NK News 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. 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. Try unlimited access Only $1 for four weeks Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts. Subscribe now All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time. © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by And how should we address you in correspondence? One more step! Please check your inbox, for an email we just sent you, and click on the confirmation message in it to get subscribed to our Daily News Update. Trending

Analysis

Why Seoul is betting on a civilian defense chief in face of North Korean threats

Ahn Gyu-back faces challenge of pushing reform after martial law, countering DPRK and managing US alliance under Trump

Joon Ha Park June 25, 2025

Why Seoul is betting on a civilian defense chief in face of North Korean threats

Ahn Gyu-back, South Korea’s nominee for Defense Minister, and ROK Army K9 howitzers conducting live-fire drills in Oct. 2023 | Image: Ahn Gyu-back via Naver Blog, ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff, edited by NK News

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.

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Why Seoul is betting on a civilian defense chief in face of North Korean threats

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