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President Lee Jae-myung unveiled his first Cabinet lineup on June 23, emphasizing pragmatism and on-the-ground expertise. His appointments for 11 ministerial posts reflect a preference for experienced political figures over surprise picks, aiming to stabilize a government launched without a formal transition team. Six of the nominees are current or former lawmakers, a move seen as likely to ease the confirmation process in the National Assembly. The appointments also reflect regional balance, with a 4:4 ratio between candidates from Yeongnam and Honam.

Among the most notable picks is Rep. Ahn Gyu-baek of the Democratic Party, nominated as defense minister. If confirmed, Ahn would become South Korea’s first civilian defense minister since the May 16 military coup in 1961. “Ahn will lead military reforms as the first civilian to hold the post in 64 years,” said presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik.

For labor minister, the president nominated Kim Young-hoon, a former head of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and current engineer at Korea Railroad Corporation. “He has long championed labor rights and is expected to push for workplace safety, revision of the Yellow Envelope Law, and implementation of a 4.5-day work week,” said Kang.

Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryeong will remain in her post. “Though appointed under the Yoon administration, Song agrees with the new government’s direction and will pose no obstacle to its operations,” the presidential office stated.

Another notable pick is Bae Kyung-hoon, head of LG AI Research, nominated as science and ICT minister. A prominent AI expert and former head of LG Electronics’ AI division, Bae is expected to drive Lee’s vision of making South Korea a global AI powerhouse. “As both scholar and entrepreneur, Bae will work alongside AI Future Planning Chief Ha Jung-woo to bolster national AI competitiveness,” Kang said.

The Cabinet lineup includes several lawmakers: Jeong Dong-young (Unification), Kim Sung-hwan (Environment), Kang Sun-woo (Gender Equality and Family), Jeon Jae-soo (Oceans and Fisheries), and former Rep. Kwon Oh-eul (Patriots and Veterans Affairs). With Kim Min-seok previously nominated as prime minister, more than half of Lee’s first Cabinet will likely be composed of sitting or former lawmakers.

Explaining the appointments, Kang said, “This Cabinet reflects the president’s philosophy of emphasizing practicality and efficacy, focused on delivering results. Each nominee has a clear mandate—from diplomatic engagement to military reform and Arctic shipping development—and will be expected to deliver visible outcomes.”

President Lee also stressed urgency. “With global tensions rising and economic uncertainty deepening, I urge the National Assembly to proceed swiftly with confirmation so the Cabinet can respond to crises without delay,” he was quoted as saying.