South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has nominated new ministers for finance and defence as part of a major Cabinet reshuffle covering six ministries.
Lee Hyoung-il, the first vice finance minister, has been nominated as deputy prime minister and minister of economy and finance. He is a veteran economic policymaker who will take charge as the government prepares its 2027 budget and faces pressure to manage growth, inflation and financial stability.
Former deputy commander of the South Korea-US Combined Forces Command Kang Shin-chul was nominated as defence minister. His appointment comes as Seoul continues to manage security tensions with North Korea and strengthen coordination with its allies.
Bloomberg reported that the reshuffle also includes nominations for the justice, land, gender equality and small and medium-sized enterprises portfolios.
The changes mark a broad restructuring of Lee’s Cabinet as his administration enters its second year. The nominees will undergo parliamentary confirmation hearings, although the president retains the authority to appoint Cabinet ministers.
