Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung made a historic move on Monday by appointing Ahn Gyu-back, a five-term lawmaker, as South Korea's new defense minister, marking the first time since 1961 that a civilian has been nominated for the role. This appointment is part of a broader reshuffle that includes the selection of former Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun as the nation's top diplomat.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn and Cho are among President Lee's selections for 11 Cabinet positions announced by the presidential office. These appointments also cover key ministries, including environment, science, labor, and gender equality, as the president outlines his vision for the nation's governance.
In response to heightened tensions in the Middle East, President Lee has ordered an emergency response system for all ministries. This directive follows U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, which have escalated regional tensions. During his first meeting with senior presidential aides since taking office, Lee emphasized the urgency of the situation and urged authorities to ensure the safety of South Korean nationals in the region.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly adopted a confirmation hearing report for the nominee for the country's spy agency chief, marking the first such approval under President Lee's administration. Lee Jong-seok, the nominee for National Intelligence Service (NIS) director, underwent a confirmation hearing last Thursday, leading to Monday's approval.
In other developments, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced the lifting of a ban on new subscription sales by SK Telecom Co. Following the completion of universal subscriber identity module (USIM) replacements for its 25 million users, SK Telecom will be allowed to resume new subscription services starting Tuesday.
Additionally, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac will represent President Lee at the NATO summit in the Netherlands. Scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in The Hague, Wi will attend on behalf of the president, although specific details of his schedule were not disclosed.
The Korea National Oil Corp. (KNOC) is closely monitoring global oil supply conditions amid threats from Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz. The KNOC has initiated round-the-clock monitoring and is preparing for the possible release of oil reserves to mitigate any disruptions in oil supply.
Lastly, a Seoul court announced the delay of an arrest warrant hearing for former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. The hearing was postponed to Wednesday after Kim sought to recuse a judge, with the court citing "various circumstances" for the delay.