The Minister of National Defense (Korean: 국방부장관) is the leader and chief executive of the Ministry of National Defense. The minister is responsible for implementing South Korea's National Defense policy.

The current acting Minister of National Defense is Kim Seon-ho since 5 December 2024, after the previous minister, Kim Yong-hyun, suggested to president Yoon Suk Yeol on 3 December that he impose martial law, which failed and resulted in the resignation of the minister. The president has since nominated Choi Byung-hyuk to be the next minister of defense.

List of ministers

References


South Korea exdefence minister accused of role in martial law tries to

South Korea Minister National Defense Han Editorial Stock Photo Stock

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Republic of korea minister of national defense hires stock photography