South Korea, Seoul: On Friday, President Yoon Suk Yeol approved the appointment of Kim Yong-hyun, a retired three-star Army general and former head of the Presidential Security Service, as South Korea’s new defence minister. The appointment follows intense scrutiny from opposition lawmakers and raises both political and security questions, as Kim takes over the defence portfolio amid ongoing tensions with North Korea and domestic concerns over his qualifications and the circumstances of his appointment.
Kim, a close aide to President Yoon, has been a key figure in the administration since Yoon’s election in May 2022. His nomination last month to replace former Defence Minister Shin Won-sik came as part of broader changes within the government’s national security leadership. Shin has since taken on the role of national security adviser, leaving a vacancy that Kim is now set to fill.
Kim’s relationship with President Yoon has been a defining feature of his rise within the administration. As head of the Presidential Security Service, Kim led efforts to relocate the presidential office from the historic Cheong Wa Dae to the Ministry of National Defense compound in Yongsan, central Seoul. The move, which was initiated soon after Yoon took office, symbolized a shift in the government’s approach to both political symbolism and national security operations.
Kim’s military career spans decades, and his experience as a high-ranking officer in the South Korean Army has earned him a reputation as a seasoned strategist. His close ties to President Yoon, however, have made him a target for opposition lawmakers, who question the wisdom of appointing a trusted confidant to such a critical position at a time of heightened security concerns.
During his confirmation hearing, Kim faced pointed questions from opposition lawmakers, who highlighted several security incidents that occurred under his watch as head of the Presidential Security Service. One of the most high-profile incidents involved the landing of trash-filled balloons from North Korea inside the presidential compound in July, followed by drone incursions into nearby airspace in December 2022.
Opposition members argued that these incidents reflected serious security lapses and questioned whether Kim was fit to lead the country’s defense forces. Lawmakers also raised concerns about the government’s broader handling of national security, particularly in light of the increasing threat posed by North Korea’s missile tests and provocative rhetoric.
In response to these criticisms, Kim acknowledged the security challenges faced by the administration but defended his record, arguing that the breaches were the result of complex, evolving threats rather than systemic failures. He emphasized that the government was taking steps to improve its response to such incidents, including strengthening surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities.
Another point of contention during Kim’s confirmation hearing was his perceived loyalty to President Yoon. Opposition lawmakers expressed concern that the appointment of such a close ally to the defense ministry could lead to undue influence over military decisions, particularly in times of crisis. Some went so far as to suggest that the government might be laying the groundwork for the declaration of martial law, given the defence minister’s authority to recommend such a measure to the president.
Kim, however, dismissed these concerns as unfounded, stating that his focus would be on addressing external threats to South Korea’s security, particularly from North Korea. He assured lawmakers that the military would remain independent in its decision-making and that any recommendations regarding martial law would be based solely on the need to protect national security.
In his remarks following the confirmation hearing, Kim outlined his vision for South Korea’s defense strategy, placing a strong emphasis on countering the threat posed by North Korea. He vowed to take a firm stance against provocations from Pyongyang and said that all military options, including the potential arming of South Korea with nuclear weapons, would be on the table if necessary.
Kim’s comments about nuclear armament have sparked further debate, as South Korea’s official policy remains one of non-proliferation. However, Kim argued that the changing security environment in the region—driven by North Korea’s growing missile capabilities—necessitated a reevaluation of the country’s defense posture.
On the same day, President Yoon approved the appointment of Ahn Chang-ho as the head of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea. Ahn, a former Constitutional Court judge and a devout Christian, has faced his own share of controversy, particularly over his opposition to an anti-discrimination bill that he argued could spread diseases like AIDS and promote “socialism and communism revolutions.”
Despite opposition objections, the president moved forward with Ahn’s appointment without the endorsement of a confirmation hearing report, highlighting the divisions within South Korea’s political landscape.
Kim Yong-hyun’s appointment as defense minister marks a significant moment in President Yoon’s administration, as he navigates the complex intersection of domestic politics and national security. While Kim has vowed to adopt a tough stance against North Korea, his close relationship with the president and the controversies surrounding his confirmation may continue to stir debate in the months to come.