South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol reshuffled key security positions on Monday. Yoon tapped Kim Yong-hyun, the current head of the presidential security service, as the nominee for defense minister. Shin Won-sik, the incumbent defense minister, shifts to national security adviser.

Yoon created a new special advisor for diplomatic security, appointing current national security adviser Chang Ho-jin to the position. The presidential office stated that this new role aims to focus on strategic tasks related to core national interests. These changes mark a significant reorganization of Yoon’s national security team.

WHY IT MATTERS

Yoon’s appointment of Kim Yong-hyun as defense minister nominee, despite opposition from the Democratic Party over his alleged involvement in the investigation of a marine’s death, coupled with Shin Won-sik’s shift to national security adviser amid a recent defense intelligence leak, raises questions about the administration’s approach to internal security and intelligence operations.

Chang Ho-jin’s new role is significant given his assurances about U.S. commitment to the U.S.-ROK alliance even if Trump returns to the White House and warnings to Russia regarding its growing partnership with North Korea. This reshuffle may indicate Yoon’s views of diplomacy and security being one and the same.