▲ These file images show Lee Hyoung-il (L), nominated on Aug. 30, 2026, as the new finance minister, and Kang Shin-chul, nominated as the new defense minister. (Yonhap)
▲ Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik speaks during a press briefing in Seoul on Aug. 30, 2026. (Yonhap)

(ATTN: UPDATES with more info from 2nd para, photo)

SEOUL, Aug. 30 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung has nominated Vice Finance Minister Lee Hyoung-il as the new finance minister and tapped five others as new ministers in a major Cabinet reshuffle, a presidential official said Sunday.

Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik announced the reshuffle at a press briefing, which included the nomination of former deputy commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command Kang Shin-chul as the new defense minister.

Vice Land Minister Hong Jee-sun was tapped as the new land minister; Rep. Kim Seung-won of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) as the new justice minister; Rep. Yong Hye-in, floor leader of the minor Basic Income Party, as the new gender equality minister; and DP Rep. Lee So-young as the minister for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The nominations mark the first major Cabinet reshuffle since Lee took office as president in June last year and come as his approval rating has recently fallen to its lowest level, amid growing concerns over runaway housing prices and stock market volatility.

Kang described the reshuffle as the selection of new leaders equipped with "dynamism and expertise" who will deliver tangible changes for the people and lead the country toward a great leap forward.

The minister nominees are to undergo confirmation hearings at the National Assembly.

Under the reshuffle, former South Gyeongsang Gov. Kim Kyoung-soo was tapped as Lee's special aide for political affairs, while Rep. Lee Hai-min of the minor Rebuilding Korea Party was tapped as presidential secretary for artificial intelligence (AI) policy and future planning.

"President Lee has advised (officials) to inject new vitality into people's livelihoods and growth, and expedite innovation in future industries, including AI," the presidential chief of staff said, pledging to bring about tangible outcomes in policy implementation.

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