South Korean Prez Lee appoints deputy national security advisers ahead of G7 summit

IANS June 15, 2025 348 views

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has appointed three new deputy national security advisers ahead of his first overseas trip. The team includes a retired general, an ambassador, and a former envoy to strengthen military and economic security. Lee emphasized the G7 summit's importance for restoring South Korea's diplomatic presence. He also created a new AI policy role filled by Naver's Ha Jung-woo.

"President Lee said the upcoming G7 summit will mark the restoration of South Korea's summit diplomacy and negotiations for economic security" - Kang Hoon-sik
Seoul, June 15: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has appointed new deputy national security advisers, the presidential office said Sunday, ahead of his first overseas trip to attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada this week.

Key Points

1

Ex-general Kim Hyun-jong named first deputy security adviser

2

Ambassador Lim Woong-soon to handle foreign affairs policy

3

Oh Hyun-joo appointed for economic security

4

AI expert Ha Jung-woo joins as new tech secretary

Kim Hyun-jong, a retired three-star general who formerly served as chief of staff of the Ground Operations Command, was named the first deputy national security adviser, Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff, told reporters.

Kim, who was previously involved in former President Moon Jae-in's defense reform initiative, is well suited to strengthen South Korea's military capabilities and lead military reform efforts, Kang said.

Lim Woong-soon, South Korea's ambassador to Canada, who has been preparing for the G7 summit, was chosen as the second deputy adviser in charge of foreign affairs policy.

Oh Hyun-joo, South Korea's first female envoy to the Holy See, was named the third deputy adviser tasked with economic security affairs, Yonhap news agency reported.

"President Lee said the upcoming G7 summit will mark the restoration of South Korea's summit diplomacy and negotiations for economic security," Kang said.

Lee will travel to Alberta from Monday to Wednesday to attend an expanded G7 session and hold a series of bilateral meetings with leaders of major economies, according to his office.

Lee also appointed Ha Jung-woo, the head of the Future AI Center at South Korea's tech firm Naver, as the presidential secretary for artificial intelligence policy, a newly minted position.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Interesting to see South Korea focusing so much on military and tech appointments before G7. As an Indian, I wish our government would create dedicated AI policy positions too - we're falling behind in formalizing our digital strategy. The female envoy appointment is commendable though! đź‘Ź
R
Rahul S.
South Korea understands the importance of having military experts in security roles. Given our border tensions, India should learn from this approach. But I wonder - is appointing a retired general the best move? Sometimes fresh perspectives are needed in national security.
A
Ananya M.
The AI secretary appointment shows South Korea is serious about tech leadership. Meanwhile, our IT ministers keep changing every few years! We need consistency in tech policy to compete globally. Also, good to see gender diversity in their appointments - something we're improving at but still lagging.
V
Vikram J.
South Korea's focus on economic security at G7 is noteworthy. With China's influence growing, Asian nations need to strengthen partnerships. India should use such summits more strategically - our voice matters in global economic discussions but we're often reactive rather than proactive.
S
Sarika P.
While these appointments seem well-considered, I hope South Korea doesn't neglect regional diplomacy. As neighbors to North Korea, they need balanced policies. Similarly, India must maintain good relations with all neighbors while protecting our interests. Complex region, complex decisions!
K
Karan D.
The military appointment makes sense given North Korea tensions. But as an Indian watching China-Pakistan axis, I feel we need more defense experts in diplomatic roles too. Our foreign service officers are brilliant but sometimes lack military strategic depth when dealing with hostile neighbors.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published


Disclaimer: Comments here reflect the author's views alone. Insulting or using offensive language against individuals, communities, religion, or the nation is illegal.

Tags:
South Korea Lee Jae-myung G7 summit national security Kim Hyun-jong Moon Jae-in diplomatic appointments