Seoul: Five-term lawmaker Ahn Gyu-back has been nominated to become the nation's first defense minister with a civilian background in over sixty years. Ahn, known for his expertise in defense matters, has a long history of involvement with the parliamentary defense committee.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee Jae Myung has selected Ahn to lead the defense ministry, marking the first time since 1961 that the ministry will be headed by someone from a non-military background. Ahn's extensive experience in politics and defense has made him a notable candidate for this role.
Ahn, aged 64, began his political career in 1987 and secured his first parliamentary seat as a proportional representative in 2008. Representing the Democratic Party (DP), he has since been re-elected for four additional terms, demonstrating his enduring influence and leadership.
Throughout his time in parliament, Ahn has dedicated 15 years to the National Defense Committee, where he developed his reputation as a defense expert. His leadership skills were further recognized when he became the committee's chair during his third term.
Earlier this year, Ahn served as the head of a special parliamentary committee investigating former President Yoon Suk Yeol's imposition of martial law, further solidifying his role as a key figure in national defense matters.
Born in 1961 in the southwestern county of Gochang, Ahn is an alumnus of Sungkyunkwan University, where he completed his higher education. His appointment as defense minister is seen as a significant shift in the nation's defense leadership, embracing civilian expertise in a traditionally military-dominated role.