Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Defense minister Kim Gwan-jin appointed as national security adviser, and the former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff Han Min-gu as the new Defense minister. 

　
Defense minister Kim Gwan-jin and the former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Han Min-gu, have been appointed as the new national security adviser and defense minister, respectively.

Presidential spokesman Min Kyeong-wook said at the briefing on June 1 that President Park Geun-hye nominated them as her new national security adviser and defense minister to prevent a vacuum in national security and strengthen our security posture under the circumstances in which North Korea keeps provoking and threatening, as well as the safety of the people and national security being threatened.

“Nominee Kim has devoted his lifetime to national security, serving in field, operational and strategic areas. We hope that he will fulfill his duties as the national security chief based on his four-year service as the defense minister and experience in policy decision in security, diplomatic and reunification fields as a member of National Security Council(NSC) and the two-plus-two meeting,” Min said.

He also evaluated the defense minister-designate Han as not only an expert at policy and strategy planning after serving as the army chief of staff, capital defense commander and chief negotiator for South-North Korea general officers' military talks, but also as the right person for strengthening security and protecting our people’s safety with great knowledge in field and policy areas and strong respect within the military.

Spokesman Min said that President Park was originally planning to nominate the defense minister with the prime minister-to-be’s recommendation, but as the prime ministerial candidate An Dae-hoe withdrew his candidacy, she designated the new defense minister with the recommendation of current prime minister Jung Hong-won so as not to keep the position empty for long. He asked the National Assembly to hold a hearing to confirm the appointment of the new defense minister in the near future.Until the new defense minister is officially appointed, the current minister, Kim Gwan-jin, the new national security adviser, continues holding the position.

Defense Minister Kim expressed his resolve to be devoted to strong national security and the establishment of a peaceful reunification basis, aiding the president. Spokesman Min made an additional remark that the head of the intelligence agency would make an official announcement of Minister Kim’s appointment after the ongoing personal verification.

By Joo Hyeong, Lee < jataka@dema.mil.kr >
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