Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

President Lee Jae-myung appoints six vice ministers

Lee Doo-hee is a specialist in operations and policy, recognized for his leadership and communication skills

Enhances comprehensive deterrence capabilities based on the ROK-US Alliance

Lee Seu-ran was appointed as Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, Kum Han-seung as Vice Minister of Environment, and Kwon Chang-jun as Vice Minister of Employment and Labor.

Kang Yu-jung, Presidential Office Spokesperson, announced on June 26 that President Lee appointed several vice ministers, including Vice Minister Lee.

Vice Minister Lee, a graduate of the 46th class of the Korea Military Academy, began his military career as an artillery officer and is recognized as a specialist in operations and policy. He has served in both field command and policy positions. His career includes serving as Commander of the 28th Infantry Division, Director for Policy Planning at the Ministry of National Defense, Commander of the 1st Corps, Deputy Commander of the Ground Operations Command, and Commander of the Army Missile Strategic Command.

Spokesperson Kang introduced Vice Minister Lee, highlighting his “warm leadership and strong communication skills.” She stated, “He is ideally suited to respond to evolving warfare environments and to ensure comprehensive deterrence capabilities based on the ROK-US Alliance.” She added that he was highly regarded for his capability to lead innovation in the defense sector through the application of artificial intelligence and advanced science and technology.

Lee Seu-ran, Director-General for Social Welfare Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, has been appointed as First Vice Minister of Health and Welfare.

Kum Han-seung, President of the National Institute of Environmental Research, has been appointed as Vice Minister of Environment. Kwon Chang-jun, Director of the Planning and Coordination Office at the Ministry of Employment and Labor, has been appointed as Vice Minister of Employment and Labor. Nam Dong-il, Standing Commissioner of the Korea Fair Trade Commission, has been promoted to Vice Chairperson of the Korea Fair Trade Commission.

Spokesperson Kang commented on these appointments, saying “The appointments reflect individuals who will undertake the detailed tasks of the Lee Jae-myung administration, including defense reform, expansion of the social safety net, response to climate change, and strengthening labor rights, while working closely with their respective ministers.”

President Lee also nominated candidates for President and Justices of the Constitutional Court of Korea, as well as for Commissioner of the National Tax Service. Kim Sang-hwan, formerly an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, was nominated as Justice and President of the Constitutional Court. Kang Hun-sik, Chief of Staff to the President, explained, “Candidate Kim is widely recognized for his expertise in constitutional law and legal theory, and his profound understanding of society will enrich the interpretation of the Constitution.”

Additionally, Oh Young-jun, Presiding Judge of the Seoul High Court, was nominated as a candidate for Justice of the Constitutional Court. Lim Kwang-hyun, a member of the National Assembly who previously served as Commissioner of the Seoul Regional Tax Office and as Vice Commissioner of the National Tax Service, was nominated as Commissioner of the National Tax Service. The Commissioner of the National Tax Service is subject to a parliamentary confirmation hearing as a vice-ministerial-level official.

By Hyun-woo, Seo <lgiant61@dema.mi.kr>

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