Lee Jae Myung Names Key Cabinet Leaders For New Government

President Lee Jae-myung unveiled the first key appointments of his new government on June 4, 2025, at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, signaling the start of a people-centered administration aimed at overcoming economic challenges and revitalizing national security. Among the prominent nominations, Kim Min-seok, a seasoned Democratic Party lawmaker and strategist, was appointed as the inaugural Prime Minister, while Lee Jong-seok, former Minister of Unification, was named Director of the National Intelligence Service (NIS). The appointments also included key roles such as Chief of Staff, National Security Advisor, and Presidential Security Chief, marking a robust foundation for the Lee administration’s governance.

Kim Min-seok, 61, is a four-term member of the National Assembly and a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party. Born in Seoul in 1964, Kim’s political roots trace back to his days as President of the Seoul National University Student Council and Chairman of the National Student Union, reflecting his deep engagement in the student movement. His extensive legislative experience and policy expertise, particularly in public welfare, combined with his international outlook and unifying political skills, earned him President Lee’s endorsement to lead the government through the current crisis and spearhead economic recovery. President Lee emphasized, "Kim Min-seok is an individual with extensive experience in political activities, competence in public welfare policies, international sensibility, and inclusive political power, making him suitable to overcome the crisis and restore the public economy." During the recent presidential election, Kim played a pivotal role as the Standing Co-Chairman of the General Election Countermeasure Committee, showcasing his leadership in high-stakes political campaigns.

Lee Jong-seok, appointed as the NIS Director, brings a wealth of expertise in diplomacy, security, and unification. Having served as Minister of Unification and Standing Member of the National Security Council (NSC), Lee is credited with strengthening the NIS’s intelligence-gathering capabilities and innovating its information dissemination processes. President Lee highlighted Lee Jong-seok’s background: "He is an expert in foreign affairs, security, and unification, who served as Minister of Unification and NSC Standing Member, and has experience strengthening intelligence gathering capabilities and innovating information dissemination systems at the National Intelligence Service." Lee’s deep knowledge of North Korean affairs and his strategic vision are expected to open new avenues for improving the currently strained inter-Korean relations.

In addition to these appointments, the administration named Kang Hoon-sik, a 52-year-old three-term Democratic Party lawmaker from Chungnam Asan, as Chief of Staff. Kang, recognized as a key strategist within the party and a trusted aide to President Lee during the presidential campaign, is set to bring dynamism and swift action to the management of the presidential office. President Lee remarked, "Kang Hoon-sik is a strategist who managed the presidential campaign and has expertise in economics and budgeting, making him a vital supporter in government affairs." Complementing the leadership team, Wi Seong-rak, a seasoned diplomat and proportional representative lawmaker, was appointed National Security Advisor. Wi’s distinguished career includes serving as Ambassador to Russia and heading the Korean Peninsula Peace Diplomacy Headquarters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. President Lee praised Wi’s extensive policy experience and expertise, stating, "He will play a crucial role in designing foreign and security pledges and achieving the national goals of practical diplomacy, advanced national defense, and a peaceful and prosperous Korean Peninsula." Wi’s background is notable, having grown up in Iri, Jeonbuk, and graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in diplomacy.

Other key appointments include Hwang In-kwon, former commander of the Army’s 2nd Operations Command, as Chief of Presidential Security, and Kang Yu-jeong, a proportional representative lawmaker who entered the National Assembly in the 22nd general election, as the presidential spokesperson. Oh Gwang-soo, a lawyer and former special prosecutor, is expected to take on the role of Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, tasked with leading prosecutorial reforms. Oh shares a longstanding connection with President Lee, having been classmates at the Judicial Research and Training Institute.

Looking beyond these initial appointments, President Lee’s administration plans to continue filling key government positions, with a focus on expertise and experience. The cabinet formation strategy involves first appointing vice-ministerial-level officials who do not require confirmation hearings, allowing the government to address pressing issues swiftly. Subsequently, ministerial appointments will be finalized. Among the anticipated cabinet members are seasoned bureaucrats and politicians with strong policy backgrounds.

For the crucial role of Deputy Prime Minister for Economy and Minister of Economy and Finance, names such as Koo Yoon-cheol, former head of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, and Lee Ho-seung, former Chief Presidential Policy Secretary, are being considered. Both are recognized for their economic expertise and administrative acumen. Koo, known as an 'economy expert,' has led significant economic tasks, including supplementary budgets, and Lee Ho-seung brings a strong track record in taxation and policy. Political candidates like Ahn Do-geol, former Second Vice Minister of Economy and Finance, and Kim Tae-nyeon, former Policy Committee Chairman and floor leader of the Democratic Party, are also in the running. Additionally, Lee Eon-joo, a Supreme Council member who led the Future Economic Growth Committee during the presidential campaign, is part of the candidate pool.

The Ministry of Justice is expected to be led by Yoon Ho-jung, a former lawmaker without a prosecutorial background, supporting the administration’s agenda for judicial reform. This aligns with the role of Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, held by Oh Gwang-soo, who will oversee prosecutorial reform efforts. For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, candidates include Kim Hyun-jong, former Deputy Minister for Trade, and Cho Hyun, former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, both bringing substantial diplomatic experience.

The Ministry of Interior and Safety may see appointments such as Democratic Party lawmakers Lee Hae-sik and Seo Young-kyo, while the Ministry of National Defense is drawing particular attention. President Lee campaigned on the promise of 'civilianization' of the Defense Ministry, and the appointment of a civilian minister is eagerly anticipated. Ahn Gyu-baek, former Chairman of the National Assembly National Defense Committee, is a leading candidate, alongside Kim Byung-joo, former Deputy Commander of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command, representing military expertise.

An official from the Presidential Office explained the rationale behind the staggered appointments: "The policy is to first appoint vice-ministerial level officials rather than ministerial appointments that require nominations from the Prime Minister or nominee, to address urgent current issues." The official added that the Deputy Prime Minister for Economy and the Minister of National Defense could be prioritized given the need for 'economic recovery' and 'overcoming internal crises.'

President Lee’s first wave of appointments reflects a careful balance of experience, expertise, and loyalty, aiming to create a government capable of tackling immediate challenges while laying the groundwork for sustained progress. With a team that includes seasoned politicians, diplomats, military veterans, and legal experts, the administration is poised to address multifaceted national issues ranging from economic recovery and security to judicial reform and diplomatic engagement.

As the Lee administration moves forward, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on how these appointments translate into policy and action, especially amid economic uncertainties and complex security dynamics on the Korean Peninsula. The new government’s ability to deliver tangible results will be crucial in earning public trust and fulfilling the promise of a people-centered governance model.