At a press briefing, presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik said the nominees were selected "based on their expertise and experience" in line with Lee's pragmatic approach that emphasizes skills and performance.
Among the picks included Ahn Gyu-baek, a five-term lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party (DP), who was nominated as defense minister. Once approved, Ahn is expected to become the first civilian to lead the ministry since 1961, when former strongman Park Chung-hee seized power through a military coup.
Former unification minister Chung Dong-young was nominated to return to the role. Kang stressed Chung's peace-oriented philosophy and his ability to facilitate dialogue with North Korea while easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Former first vice foreign minister Cho Hyun was named foreign minister, while Kim Young-hoon, who led the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions was nominated as labor minister.
Baek Kyung-hoon, head of LG AI Research, was nominated as science minister and Han Seong-sook, former Naver CEO, as minister for SMEs and Startups. Both are expected to bring private-sector experience in digital innovation to enhance the country's tech competitiveness.
Other nominees include DP lawmaker Kim Sung-hwan as environment minister, Jun Jae-soo as oceans and fisheries minister, and Kang Sun-woo as minister of gender equality and family. Former lawmaker Kwon Oh-eul was named minister of patriots and veterans affairs.
In a rare move, Song Mi-ryeong, the incumbent agriculture minister from the previous administration, will remain in her post.
reporter
Im Yoon-seo
lyseo0330@ajupress.com
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