Seoul: New Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back vowed to rebuild the military into a trusted institution after last year's failed martial law attempt, as he officially assumed office as the nation's first civilian defense chief in 64 years. This pledge comes on the heels of his appointment being approved by President Lee Jae Myung, filling a ministerial vacancy created when former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun resigned amid allegations of involvement in the December 3 martial law imposition.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn emphasized the need to restore military pride and pursue defense reforms capable of addressing both domestic and international threats. In his inaugural address, he underscored the importance of political neutrality within the military and reiterated its primary duty of safeguarding the populace from external dangers, notably mentioning the advancing nuclear and missile capabilities of North Korea and the increasing global security uncertainties.
As part of his strategy, Ahn committed to enhancing a defense cooperation network centered on the South Korea-U.S. alliance, which he described as a crucial element of the nation's security framework. He expressed intentions to broaden this alliance into a "global comprehensive strategic alliance" aligned with national interests.
Additionally, Ahn promised to support military efforts to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula, advocating for open dialogue while simultaneously reinforcing deterrence measures. Following his inauguration, he led a meeting with key commanders to assess the military's readiness and called for a robust defensive posture against potential threats.
The meeting, held at the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), was attended by senior officials from the defense ministry, the JCS, and armed services, including JCS Chairman Adm. Kim Myung-soo.