Ahn Gyu-baek, the Minister of National Defense nominee, said on the 15th, "The defense industry is the source of peace made possible through strength, and I will realize 'a strong defense industry country, South Korea.'"

Ahn emphasized during his opening statement at the confirmation hearing held by the National Defense Committee that day, "I will create an ecosystem where the military, government, and private sectors can mutually thrive so that the defense industry contributes to the national economy and people's livelihoods." He added, "I will expand investments in defense research and development to align with the nature of modern warfare and improve the defense acquisition processes."

Minister Ahn Gyu-baek, the nominee for the Ministry of National Defense, is answering questions from lawmakers at the confirmation hearing held on the 15th at the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. /Courtesy of Yonhap News

Ahn stressed the importance of civilian control. He said, "I am the first Minister of National Defense of the people's sovereignty government and the first civilian Minister of National Defense in 64 years," and noted, "I will establish civilian control to ensure the military can focus solely on its original mission while adhering to political neutrality, thereby restoring the trust of the people." If confirmed as minister, Ahn would be the first civilian Minister of National Defense since the May 16 military coup in 1961.

Ahn also emphasized the need to create a military for the people. He stated, "What we must do now is rectify and hold accountable illegal emergency martial law actions," adding, "I will fortify civilian control to prevent the military from becoming a private means of power and will rebuild a military for the people." He further stated, "I will establish civilian control so that the military can focus solely on its original mission while adhering to political neutrality, thereby restoring the trust of the people."

Ahn mentioned the establishment of a defense cooperation network based on the South Korea-U.S. alliance. He said, "I will create a 'defense cooperation network' supported by peace on the Korean Peninsula centered on the South Korea-U.S. alliance," and added, "I will continue to expand cooperation to develop the South Korea-U.S. alliance as a global comprehensive strategic alliance that aligns with national interests."

Additionally, Ahn emphasized, "I will militarily support the government's efforts to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula," stating, "While ensuring strong defense capabilities for deterrence, we must keep the doors open for dialogue to ease tensions and build trust."

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