Lee Jae Myung Names Kwon Oh Eul Veterans Minister

On June 23, 2025, President Lee Jae-myung announced a significant reshuffle of his cabinet, naming Kwon Oh-eul, a seasoned politician with a reputation for bridging ideological divides, as the new Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the newly elevated ministry, which was upgraded from a sub-ministry earlier this year, signaling the administration's commitment to honoring national heroes and reforming veterans' affairs.

Kwon Oh-eul, born in March 1957 in Andong, Gyeongbuk, shares a hometown with President Lee, adding a layer of regional connection to his nomination. His extensive political career spans over three decades, beginning with his entry into politics at age 34 when he was elected as the youngest provincial council member in the Gyeongbuk region during the 1991 local elections. He quickly rose through the ranks, securing a seat in the 15th National Assembly in 1996 as a United Democratic Party candidate representing Gyeongbuk Andong-gap. Notably, he was the youngest and sole Democratic Party victor in that conservative stronghold at the time.

In a political landscape marked by shifting allegiances, Kwon's journey reflects both pragmatism and reformist tendencies. In 1997, as the United Democratic Party merged with the New Korea Party to form the Grand National Party (later known as the People Power Party), he aligned with the new entity. He was re-elected in 2000 and 2004, serving three terms in total. His leadership roles include chairing the National Assembly Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Maritime Affairs Committee from 2006 to 2008 and serving as Secretary-General of the National Assembly after losing the party’s nomination in 2008.

Following unsuccessful bids for nomination in the 2012 and 2016 general elections, Kwon distanced himself from the Saenuri Party and co-founded the Bareunjeongdang (Righteous Party) alongside former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, positioning himself within the reformist conservative camp. His political versatility was further demonstrated in 2025 when he joined President Lee’s campaign, embracing the administration's moderate conservative expansion strategy. As head of the National Integration Committee for the Democratic Party's Central Election Countermeasure Committee, he played a crucial role in boosting voter turnout in the Yeongnam region, particularly in Daegu and Gyeongbuk.

President Lee’s Chief of Staff, Kang Hoon-sik, described Kwon as "an individual with long political experience and a conviction for social integration, capable of taking responsibility for advancing welfare for national meritorious people and beneficiaries." Kang emphasized that Kwon’s appointment embodies the administration’s philosophy of "integration and pragmatism," highlighting his ability to transcend regional and ideological barriers.

Kwon himself expressed a clear vision upon his nomination, stating, "A country that respects those who sacrificed for the nation is a true advanced nation. I will simultaneously promote welfare for national meritorious people and digital innovation across the entire welfare system." His commitment to veterans’ affairs is backed by a consistent legislative record advocating for strengthened welfare provisions for national heroes and calls for reforming veterans' administration.

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, newly elevated to a full ministry this year, faces the dual challenge of stabilizing its organizational structure and enhancing the dignity and recognition afforded to veterans. If Kwon passes the National Assembly hearing process, he will become the first minister to lead this ministry under the current administration, tasked with driving substantive reforms.

Kwon’s nomination also sparked attention for his past political statements. Last month, at a rally in Gumi, Gyeongbuk, he claimed to have received a "revelation from former President Park Chung-hee" endorsing President Lee, a statement that stirred some controversy. Despite this, his political experience and reputation as a moderate reformist have garnered broad expectations that he will bring meaningful change to veterans' affairs.

Alongside Kwon’s nomination, President Lee announced candidates for 11 other ministries, reflecting a blend of expertise and pragmatism across the cabinet. Notable appointments include Bae Kyung-hoon, head of LG AI Research Institute, as Minister of Science and ICT, poised to boost Korea’s AI competitiveness; Cho Hyun, a former UN Ambassador, as Minister of Foreign Affairs; and An Gyu-baek, a five-term lawmaker with deep military committee experience, as Minister of National Defense, expected to lead military transformation after decades of civilian leadership gaps.

Other key appointments include Jeong Dong-yeong as Minister of Unification, Song Mi-ryung retained as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reflecting a merit-based approach beyond partisan lines, and Kim Young-hoon, former labor union leader and Korea Railroad Corporation head, as Minister of Employment and Labor. The cabinet also features Han Sung-sook, former CEO of Naver, as Minister of SMEs and Startups, signaling an emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Kang Hoon-sik highlighted that these appointments underscore President Lee’s practical governance philosophy, stating, "We are giving opportunities regardless of conservative or progressive backgrounds, judging by achievements and capabilities." This inclusive approach aims to foster national unity and effective administration.

Kwon Oh-eul’s profile is a testament to his multifaceted career: a graduate of Korea University’s Political Science and Diplomacy department, former provincial council member, three-term National Assembly lawmaker, committee chairman, secretary-general, supreme council member of the Bareunjeongdang, and vice chairman of the Korea Constitutional Law Society. His diverse experiences equip him well to navigate the complexities of veterans' affairs, balancing political neutrality with a drive for reform.

As the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on Kwon to see how he elevates the status and welfare of those who have served the nation. His appointment is a clear signal that the Lee administration intends to honor sacrifice with dignity while embracing modernization and inclusivity in governance.