The Minute to Read (Weekdays) series provides a quick overview of significant events in Korea everyday, conveniently condensed into a one-minute read. Here’s a recap of what happened yesterday: June 4.
Korean American nominated to lead Indo-Pacific defense policy
U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Korean American defense official John Noh as assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, a top Pentagon post shaping U.S. military strategy toward East and Southeast Asia. The nomination follows Noh’s five-month stint as acting deputy after Ely Ratner, a Biden appointee, stepped down. A U.S. Army veteran and former federal prosecutor, Noh previously served as legal counsel for the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and as deputy assistant secretary for East Asia.
President Lee taps Kim Min-seok for PM, Lee Jong-seok for spy chief
President Lee Jae-myung unveiled his first slate of senior appointments on June 4, tapping veteran lawmakers and seasoned officials for top government posts. Key nominations include Rep. Kim Min-seok as prime minister, former Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok as NIS director, Rep. Kang Hoon-sik as presidential chief of staff, and ex-Ambassador Wi Sung-lac as national security adviser. The selections, aimed at reinforcing policy expertise and cohesion, also include retired Gen. Hwang In-kwon to lead the presidential security service and Rep. Kang Yu-jung as spokesperson. Lee emphasized competence, experience, and alignment with his administration’s priorities in making the appointments.
Seoul-Manila defense ties deepen with new FA-50 deal
South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has signed a $700 million deal with the Philippine Department of National Defense to supply 12 upgraded FA-50 light combat aircraft by 2030, marking a major step in deepening bilateral defense ties. The contract includes logistics and maintenance support, building on the Philippines’ initial 2014 purchase of the same model. The new jets feature enhanced armaments and air-to-air refueling capability. KAI, which aims to expand its footprint in Southeast Asia, has exported over 140 FA-50s to six countries, including Malaysia, which ordered 18 units last year.
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