South Korean president nominates new cabinet ministers, presidential officials

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday nominated new candidates for six government posts, including deputy prime minister for economic affairs and defense minister, the presidential office Blue House said.

Kang Hoon-sik, presidential chief of staff, told a press conference that Lee Jae Myung nominated Lee Hyoung-il, first vice minister of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, as deputy prime minister for economic affairs and finance minister.

Lee also nominated Kang Shin-chul as defense minister; Kim Seung-won as justice minister; Hong Jee-sun as minister of land, infrastructure and transport; Lee So-young as minister of SMEs and startups; and Yong Hye-in as minister of gender equality and family.

The president also named Lee Hai-min as senior secretary to the president for AI and future planning and Lee Won-ju as presidential aide for the newly created mega projects. The two appointments are aimed at helping South Korea become one of the world's top three AI powers and promoting the use of AI among the public, according to Kang.

Under South Korean law, ministerial nominees are subject to parliamentary confirmation hearings but can ultimately be appointed regardless of whether the National Assembly approves their nominations. Incumbent ministers remain in office until their successors are appointed.