Director of Advanced Strategic Planning at Defense Ministry to Shift from General to Civilian Official on President Lee's Orders

The position of Director of Advanced Strategic Planning at the Ministry of National Defense, which has traditionally been filled by military generals, is now expected to be held by a senior civilian official.

Yonhap News

On July 22, the Office of the President announced that the Cabinet had approved a revised presidential decree amending the "Presidential Decree on the Organization of the Ministry of National Defense and Its Affiliated Agencies" to reflect this change. The Office of the President explained the background of the decision, stating, "Last week, the President instructed a review of the appointment of a general to the position of Director of Advanced Strategic Planning during the Cabinet meeting."

The Office of the President stated, "As a result of the discussions, the presidential decree was revised to stipulate that only a senior civilian official can be appointed as Director, taking into account the nature of the position, which is responsible for innovation in national defense science and technology. The decree also increases the number of senior civilian official positions by one to accommodate this change."

The Director of Advanced Strategic Planning is responsible for mid- to long-term policies in national defense science and technology. The position was established as a temporary organization in February 2023 and was set to expire on July 25.

Previously, the government had proposed an amendment to extend the existence of the Director of Advanced Strategic Planning and related organizations by two years, until 2027. However, last week, during the Cabinet meeting, the President instructed a review, suggesting that a civilian appointee might be more appropriate for the role.

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