Lee Jae Myung nominates 6 new ministers

President Lee Jae Myung nominated six new ministers on August 30, 2026, in his first major Cabinet reshuffle. Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik announced the nominations at a press briefing.

Vice Finance Minister Lee Hyoung-il was nominated as the new finance minister. The other nominees include former deputy commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command Kang Shin-chul for defense minister and ruling Democratic Party (DP) Rep. Kim Seung-won for justice minister.

New Ministerial Appointments

According to the announcement by Kang Hoon-sik, the full list of nominees is as follows:

Context and Rationale

The reshuffle comes as President Lee's approval rating has recently fallen to its lowest level. Kang Hoon-sik described the move as selecting leaders with "dynamism and expertise." He said they would deliver tangible changes and lead the country forward.

Kang stated the new finance minister nominee is well versed in policy. He expressed hope the nominee would help overcome economic polarization and foster stable growth.

For the defense portfolio, Kang said the nominee would spearhead a buildup of self-sufficient defense capabilities. This would be based on the solid alliance with the United States. The justice minister nominee, he added, would help a new criminal justice system take root swiftly and prioritize protecting crime victims' rights.

Other Appointments and Initiatives

Beyond the ministerial posts, Lee Won-ju, a senior environment ministry official, was nominated as a new presidential aide for a "megaproject" initiative. This post is newly created. The investment initiative, unveiled in late June, involves the government working with tech conglomerates. It promotes large-scale investments in semiconductor production and AI-related facilities, with a focus on regional areas.

Former South Gyeongsang Governor Kim Kyoung-soo was tapped as Lee's special aide for political affairs. Minor Rebuilding Korea Party Rep. Lee Hai-min was nominated as presidential secretary for AI policy and future planning.

Kang Hoon-sik said President Lee advised officials to inject new vitality into people's livelihoods and growth. He also urged them to expedite innovation in future industries like AI. The presidential chief of staff pledged to bring about tangible policy outcomes.

The minister nominees are to undergo confirmation hearings at the National Assembly.