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defense minister

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The mystery surrounding Ahn Gyu-back’s military record (KOR)

The defense minister faces growing scrutiny after refusing to release records amid allegations of his discharge from the service and possible desertion.

2026.7.14

The mystery surrounding Ahn Gyu-back’s military record

The defense minister faces growing scrutiny after refusing to release records amid allegations of his discharge from the service and possible desertion.

2026.7.13

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Ahn Gyu-back, minister of national defense, delivers remarks at the 2026 Joint Fire Training exercise at Seungjin Training Ground in Pocheon, Gyeonggi, on Thursday. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

Defense Minister leaves for Singapore to attend regional security forum

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back left for Singapore on Friday to attend an annual security forum, where he is expected to highlight Korea's defense policy and hold a series of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from key partner nations.

2026.5.29

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, left, and Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing pose for a photo at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan District, central Seoul, on April 15. [MINISTRY OF DEFENSE]

Seoul's defense minister discusses defense cooperation with Chinese envoy

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met with Chinese Ambassador to Korea Dai Bing to discuss bilateral cooperation in the defense sector and other issues surrounding the Korean Peninsula on Wednesday.

2026.4.15

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, center, visits an oil storage facility at the Korean Air Force's 8th Fighter Wing in Wonju, some 140 kilometers (87 miles) east of Seoul, on April 7. [MINISTRY OF DEFENSE]

Defense minister urges military to maintain its readiness amid energy concerns due to Middle East crisis

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Tuesday called on the military to maintain its readiness by thoroughly securing and managing its oil supply amid the Middle East crisis, calling oil an “axis of combat power.”

2026.4.7

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, left, shakes hands with U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby at the defense ministry on Jan. 26. [YONHAP]

Colby recalls 'excellent' talks with Seoul officials on alliance modernization, collective defense

U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby has recounted his recent trip to Seoul, noting that he had "excellent" meetings with South Korean officials to discuss joint efforts to "modernize" the bilateral alliance.

2026.2.11

In this photo provided by Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back's office, Ahn, second from right, meets with his Swedish counterpart, Pal Jonson, in Stockholm on Nov. 27. [YONHAP]

Korean and Sweden defense chiefs hold first meeting in 14 years and discuss defense, arms cooperation

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back held talks with his Swedish counterpart in Stockholm on Thursday to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the defense sector and arms industry, the Defense Ministry said.

2025.11.27

Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, right, and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shake hands as they hold a joint press conference following the 57th Security Consultative Meeting in Yongsan District, central Seoul, on Nov. 4. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

Hegseth says Pentagon will support 'model ally' South Korea's drive for nuclear-powered submarines

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored Tuesday in Seoul that the Pentagon will work with relevant agencies to support U.S. President Donald Trump's pledge to help South Korea build nuclear-powered submarines.

2025.11.4

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, left, shakes hands with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjom during a visit to the Joint Security Area (JSA) in Paju, Gyeonggi, on Nov. 3. [MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE]

South Korean, U.S. defense chiefs visit JSA in symbolic show of allied solidarity

South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth paid a joint visit to the Joint Security Area (JSA) within the heavily fortified demilitarized zone (DMZ) on Monday.

2025.11.3

Gen. Jin Yong-sung, left, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, center, and retiring Adm. Kim Myung-soo attend a ceremony marking Jin's inauguration as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Seoul on Sept. 30, 2025. [YONHAP]

Defense chief says border area training should continue despite South Korea's peace efforts

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back opposed the idea of South Korea's unilateral suspension of military training near the tense inter-Korean border, citing the need to maintain readiness even when Seoul seeks to mend frayed ties with North Korea.

2025.10.1