Who is in President Lee's first Cabinet picks?

Following a round of vice ministerial appointments, President Lee Jae Myung on Monday named his first Cabinet picks.

Our Presidential Office correspondent Song Yoo-jin breaks down the key nominations.

In his third week in office, President Lee Jae Myung unveiled his first Cabinet lineup on Monday, nominating 11 ministers.

Five-term lawmaker Ahn Gyu-back has been nominated to be Defense Minister.

If confirmed, he would become the first civilian in over six decades to head South Korea's Defense Ministry.

Cho Hyun, a veteran diplomat and former Vice Foreign Minister, has been nominated to head the Foreign Ministry.

With his deep experience in multilateral diplomacy and trade, he's expected to navigate diplomatic hurdles with National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, an expert in bilateral ties and North Korea.

Chung Dong-young, who previously served as Unification Minister under the late President Roh Moo-hyun, has been nominated once again, signaling the administration's emphasis on peace through dialogue with North Korea.

"The nominees have been tasked with clear missions, including advancing national interest-driven diplomacy, easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, reforming the military, addressing the climate crisis, and developing the Arctic shipping route. They're expected to produce tangible outcomes."

President Lee's pragmatic approach was also evident in his decision to retain Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung.

"Minister Song is expected to ensure continuity in addressing agriculture's climate-related challenges and regional population decline. Her reappointment reflects the administration's merit-based approach, beyond ideological lines."

Notably, some appointments came from the private sector.

Bae Kyung-hoon, head of LG AI Research, has been nominated as Minister of Science and ICT, while Han Seong-sook, former CEO of NAVER, was named Minister of SMEs and Startups.

Other nominees include heads for the Ministries of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Environment, Employment and Labor, Gender Equality and Family, as well as Oceans and Fisheries.

Except for Minister Song, all 10 candidates will face confirmation hearings at the National Assembly.

President Lee is calling for swift proceedings so that his Cabinet can quickly respond to growing challenges, such as the situation in the Middle East.

Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News.