Ministry has first female director general

Yoo Gyun-hye

By Kim Hyo-jin

The defence ministry has appointed its first female director general.

Yoo Gyun-hye, 43, was named director general at the Ministry of National Defense on Tuesday.

“I have worked hard to raise public understanding of the Korean Army,” Yoo said. “I guess the ministry might have considered this when they elevated me to the post.”

Yoo began her career at the ministry in 1996 after passing the 39th civil service examination. In 2012, she was appointed vice director, which was also the first time the military had appointed a woman to this position.

“Yoo has been appreciated as a capable leader with an innovative style of performance,” a defense ministry official said. He said her friendly character and judgment also helped.

Yoo told reporters her ultimate goal was to promote soldiers’ welfare and help the Army gain the public trust. “As a leader, I will work hard to reach that goal,” she said.