President Lee picks South Korea's first civilian defense chief in 64 years
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean President Lee Jae Myung nominated a five-term liberal lawmaker as defense minister Monday, breaking with a tradition of appointing retired military generals.
The announcement came as several prominent former defense officials, including ex-Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, face high-profile criminal trials over their roles in carrying out martial law last year under then-President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was indicted on rebellion charges and removed from office.
Ahn Gyu-back, a lawmaker from Lee's Democratic Party, has served on the National Assembly's defense committee and chaired a legislative panel that investigated the circumstances surrounding Yoon's martial law decree.
Yoon's authoritarian move involved deploying hundreds of heavily armed troops to the National Assembly and election commission offices in what prosecutors described as an illegal attempt to shut down the legislature and arrest political opponents and election officials.
That sparked calls to strengthen civilian control over the military, and Lee promised during his election campaign to appoint a defense minister with a civilian background.
Since a 1961 coup that brought military dictator Park Chung-hee to power, all of South Korea's defense ministers have come from the military — a trend that continued even after the country's democratization in the late 1980s.
While Ahn will face a legislative hearing, the process is likely to be a formality, since the Democrats hold a comfortable majority in the National Assembly and legislative consent isn't required for Lee to appoint him. Among Cabinet appointments, Lee only needs legislative consent for prime minister, Seoul's nominal No. 2 job.
'As the first civilian Minister of National Defense in 64 years, he will be responsible for leading and overseeing the transformation of the military after its mobilization in martial law,' Kang Hoon-sik, Lee's chief of staff, said in a briefing.
Ahn was among 11 ministers nominated by Lee on Monday, with longtime diplomat Cho Hyun selected as foreign minister and five-term lawmaker Chung Dong-young returning for another stint as unification minister — a position he held from 2004 to 2005 as Seoul's point man for relations with North Korea.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indianapolis Star
16 minutes ago
- Indianapolis Star
Joe Hogsett wants to move past harassment scandal. Many aren't sure he can
Where does Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett go from here? The fallout over his handling of sexual harassment claims against his former right-hand man has put the mayor in a precarious political situation with two and a half years remaining in his third term. A growing chorus of local elected officials, community leaders and members of the public are calling for him to resign or criticizing his leadership. As the scandal overshadows other city initiatives, some are questioning the mayor's ability to effectively perform even the ceremonial aspects of the job. And former members of the administration are making explosive claims about what they describe as a "toxic" workplace culture under Hogsett. Hogsett, who has repeatedly said he won't resign, couldn't escape the situation at a typically cordial Indy Chamber "Meet the Mayors" event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on June 18, where he was asked in front of a roomful of business leaders whether the scandal had damaged the city's reputation. Hogsett said "political rhetoric" has distracted people, "but I can tell you what I focus on, and that is making Indianapolis work." But that's becoming harder than it was before. Faith leaders recently asked the mayor not to attend a press conference for what was supposed to be a big public win for his administration: securing housing for more people who are homeless. Instead, city officials canceled the event. And City-County Council Democrats, who have a supermajority on the council and have at times acted as little more than a rubber stamp for Hogsett, are exerting more leverage and opposition than ever before. Though most councilors haven't called for Hogsett to resign, the 18-member Democratic caucus released a statement saying his conduct has "weakened the moral authority of the office." "If he survives what is right now — at minimum — chaos, it makes (governing) a lot harder, frankly," said Laura Merrifield Wilson, associate professor of political science at the University of Indianapolis. "This may not be the definition of his legacy, but it's going to be top three, no matter how many successes he can rake in in the next few years." City-County Council members can't remove Hogsett from office — only state lawmakers can do that, which is highly unlikely to occur. But the fallout could weaken his ability to govern and dampen his potential to win over voters for a fourth term, should he decide to run again in 2027. In a recent interview with IndyStar, Hogsett said the spectacle is detracting from his commitments to protect workers following an outside law firm's investigation into the mayor's former top aide, Thomas Cook, who faced allegations of harassment or assault from three women while working for Hogsett. "We're collectively losing sight of what is most important, and that's continuing to create a safer, more accountable working environment for all city employees," Hogsett said. "That is my focus. That is my standard. And that's what I'll stick to." More: A 'fraternity' culture and an 'opportunity' for self-dealing: 6 insights from Hogsett investigation Pike Township Trustee Annette Johnson, a fellow Democrat who has helped campaign in the past for the mayor, said the "serious allegations" have "taken away from what we really need to be doing in our communities." She stopped short of calling for Hogsett to resign, but described the city as "kind of stuck" under his leadership. Democratic City-County Councilor John Barth agreed the issue is pulling the focus away from other city business. But he said it would be wrong to call it a distraction. Still, he lamented the lack of media attention on roughly $27 million in hard-won funding as part of a spring fiscal package that included $13 million for road and drainage improvements, $4 million for new snow-plowing equipment and contracts, and $600,000 to the literacy tutoring program Circle City Readers. The next day's headlines were instead about how City-County Council President Vop Osili ordered sheriff's deputies to forcibly remove Lauren Roberts, a Cook accuser, while she tried to share concerns about the law firm's investigation. 'It's an important issue we have to resolve,' Barth said of the harassment allegations. 'With what these survivors have dealt with, and their relentlessness in making sure their stories are heard, it's our responsibility to ensure that their voices are heard and that we take action.' More: Attorney: Hogsett probe omitted 'uncomfortable' texts from mayor, contradicted women's claims It remains to be seen whether Hogsett can retain the support he needs to do his job or if that foundation continues to erode. Calls for his resignation have been growing, while vocal support is muted. Three council members voted in as Democrats — Jesse Brown, Andy Nielsen and Crista Carlino — and one Republican, Joshua Bain, have now called for the mayor to resign. Out of 25 councilors, only one — Democrat Ron Gibson — has vocally defended the mayor. Rev. David Greene, part of the Greater Indianapolis Multifaith Alliance that called for Hogsett not to speak at the housing press conference, said the mayor's resignation would be an act of moral clarity about what's best for Indianapolis. 'We need to move forward, and I don't see how he can do it in his role when ultimately, from a leadership perspective, a lot of this went on under his watch,' Greene told IndyStar. 'He helped create the culture in which this took place. It's hard to fix a culture that you created.' The City-County Council is working to pass reforms meant to protect employees from workplace harassment. That includes establishing an outside inspector general's office to investigate city policy violations, overhauling the city's human resources department to ensure independence, and revamping anti-harassment training and reporting systems. But Barth said he doubts how effective systemic changes will be without credible leadership. 'You can have best practices all day long,' Barth said, 'but if the tone at the top and the clarity around expectations, around culture, aren't managed by those who are leading the city, and the mayor specifically, I would be concerned about how effective those structural changes would be.' More: 'We won't allow facts to be buried': Hogsett investigative report omissions raise concerns While councilors consider reforms and mull over calls for Hogsett to step down, the public is becoming increasingly aware of the saga. What started as a scandal familiar mainly to political insiders exploded into wider view with the now-viral June 9 episode at the City-County Council meeting where Roberts was pushed out by sheriff's deputies. Hogsett called the incident "regrettable." Then the Indianapolis Business Journal, a publication read by the city's top movers and shakers, also called on Hogsett to resign in a recent editorial. Even Indiana Gov. Mike Braun recently said on a radio show that he had become aware of the scandal and said it looked like things were "getting dicey" for the mayor. Marshawn Wolley, president and CEO of management consultant Black Onyx Management, said the controversy recently came up among his employees. "I have a team of talented women," Wolley said. "They shared their stories of having to carry the burden of experiencing unwanted attention or frankly sexual harassment, but then having to maybe not tell their stories out of fear of repercussions that could come." He said he couldn't speak on Hogsett's ability to continue to lead the city, but said leaders are ultimately responsible in making sure their workplaces are safe. "I'm thinking about it as a business owner," Wolley said. Marion County Clerk Kate Sweeney Bell, who has been a longtime political ally of the mayor, acknowledged Hogsett has taken a reputational hit from this situation. "I imagine his phone is not ringing off the hook right now," she said. But she still thinks he can govern. Sweeney Bell said the mayor has "asked and answered" the calls for resignation, and now he has to carry on and keep working. "None of us have a time machine," Sweeney Bell said. "If we did, I don't think there's anyone who's an elected official who wouldn't go back and try to make a change. Just because there are some people who are dissatisfied doesn't mean he gets to stop doing his job. The work of the government goes on. All of the things that are on his plate are still on his plate." There are already signs that governing is becoming harder, though. The council is asserting new leverage in its relationship with the Hogsett administration through new anti-harassment policies, tougher negotiations over city budgeting and the recent rejection of multiple mayoral appointments. The council rejected Lena Hill, the mayor's appointment to lead the Office of Public Health and Safety, after employees came forward claiming that Hill mistreated them. Amid community backlash, the mayor also withdrew his pick to lead the Indianapolis Animal Care Services agency, Kelly Diamond. Negotiating next year's budget will be an upcoming inflection point. Typically, Barth said, the mayor's office presents the council with a fully formed spending plan in August, and any tweaks are made in the subsequent weeks before a final council vote in October. Starting with this year's spring fiscal package — the allotment of $27 million in additional supplemental income tax revenue that wasn't anticipated in last year's budgeting — councilors are demanding to be involved earlier to address their constituents' pleas for how the city should spend taxpayer dollars, Barth said. Councilor Michael-Paul Hart, who leads the council's six Republicans, said it's been refreshing to see council Democrats push back on the Hogsett administration. He doesn't plan to join them in calling for the mayor to step down, however, because he doesn't want to be 'theatrical.' Since the council lacks the authority to formally remove the mayor and Hogsett intends to stay in office, Hart is trying to stay focused on policy issues like snow removal, road repairs and homelessness. Hart does worry, however, about the high turnover he has observed among city staff and whether new employees will want to join an administration facing high-profile harassment complaints. 'If we can't get people to want to work for the city,' Hart said, 'then the city can't provide the adequate quality of life that people want in the city of Indianapolis.' Indy Chamber CEO Matt Mindrum said responding to the sexual harassment allegations deserves the council's and the mayor's "full attention." But he urged city leaders to find a swift solution so they can shift their focus back to Indianapolis' broader growth and success during a pivotal moment for the city. "It's hard to imagine a moment of greater visibility and opportunity for Indianapolis," Mindrum said in a statement, "and we need to be firing on all cylinders to make the most of it." Email IndyStar Reporter Jordan Smith at JTsmith@ Follow him on X: @jordantsmith09
Washington Post
17 minutes ago
- Washington Post
How voters in rural Wisconsin could decide the House majority
Good morning, Early Birds. We are back from a few days off. Hope you missed this newsletter! Send tips to earlytips@ Thanks for waking up with us. In today's edition … Wisconsin may be central in the fight for the House … Florida Democrats look for any hope … We have a question for you on the eve of the Dobbs decision anniversary … but first …
Fox News
20 minutes ago
- Fox News
RILEY GAINES: Title IX was meant to protect women, not erase us
Fifty-three years ago, a generation of fearless women paved the way for the rest of us. Leaders like Representative Patsy Mink, the first Asian-American woman elected to Congress, and Bernice Sandler, known as the "Godmother of Title IX," fought to pass a law that guaranteed women the same rights as men to learn, compete, and succeed. Title IX declared that women deserve the full human experience of intellectual challenge and physical development. For most of history, women were denied the opportunity to grow and compete in sports. In 1966, Bobbi Gibb became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon—but only by hiding in the bushes and running without an official number. A year later, Kathrine Switzer registered under her initials, KV Switzer, and was nearly tackled by a race official trying to stop her from competing. These women, and countless others, laid the foundation for the creation of a separate women's division in 1972. That same year, Title IX became law, opening doors for women to step onto fields and into leadership. These women were equipped to compete and win, both in sports and in life. It helped raise a generation of women who graduated stronger, more resilient, and more prepared to assert their presence and value in the world. Just this year, a record-breaking 235,735 women competed in NCAA sports—a testament to the enduring legacy of Title IX. I am one of them. As a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer, I credit Title IX for my athletic career—and for shaping who I am. Waking up at 4 a.m. to train for hours every day, racing against the clock and against my limits, learning how to lose, how to lead, and how to rise again. Tthese experiences taught me discipline, humility, confidence, and camaraderie. They gave me a voice. They made me whole. But just as women were reaching new heights—earning scholarships, shattering records, leading teams—Title IX was hijacked. Under the Obama and Biden administrations, this landmark civil rights law was gutted in the name of "inclusion." Democrats redefined Title IX to accommodate radical gender ideology, allowing men who identify as women to compete in women's sports, access women's locker rooms, and displace the very people Title IX was meant to protect. This is a war on women. It is a deliberate, coordinated effort to tear down the very structure built to elevate us. Just as we were finally reaching parity, our hard-earned protections were rewritten and erased. When I tied with a male swimmer at the NCAA championships, I wasn't just denied a trophy—I was denied fairness. I was devalued. And I was told to shut up and take it. That was the moment I realized: this isn't just about me. It's about every girl whose voice, safety, and opportunity are being stolen. Thankfully, change is happening. President Trump has proven to be a champion for women, standing up against gender ideology extremism. Under his leadership, the Department of Justice and the Department of Education have taken bold steps to restore Title IX to its original intent. The biological definition of sex under Title IX has been reinstated. Funding has been frozen for schools that violate the law. A new Title IX Special Investigations Unit has been created to hold institutions accountable, and states like Maine and California have proven they have their work cut out for them. Title IX was written to protect women based on biological sex—not self-identified gender. To lose that foundational truth is to lose the heart of the law itself. And why does that matter? Because growth in sports is about more than medals. It's about pushing ourselves mentally and physically, developing character, working hard, failing with grace, and winning with integrity. Sports are the training ground for life. And if we allow Title IX to be redefined, we risk losing not just championships—but the next generation of women leaders. To every female athlete, whether you're just starting or training at the highest level, know this: your voice matters. Speak the truth. Your courage today will protect the girl who comes next—the one who dares to dream, to train, and to win. On this anniversary, I honor the women who fought for Title IX. They gave us a future. Now it's our turn to protect it. The fight isn't over. But if we pursue truth with courage and clarity, we will win. For them. For us. And for every girl yet to chase her dreams including our little girl, who will be born in just a few months.
