The South Korean Ministry of National Defense is undertaking a significant reform by transferring the responsibility of personnel matters, typically dominated by graduates of the Army Academy, to regular civil servants. This change is part of an effort to enhance civilian control over the military, especially in light of past instances of military coups, such as the incident on December 3. The proposed amendments to the 'Rules of Implementation for the Ministry of National Defense and its Affiliated Organizations' establish that key positions in military personnel management, such as the Director of Personnel Planning and Management, will now be filled by civil servants instead of active-duty military officers, primarily Colonels from the Army Academy.

The new regulations suggest a further separation of the personnel functions associated with senior military officers, aiming to create a dedicated Military Personnel Management Team under the Personnel Welfare Office. This team will be responsible for senior officer and high-level civil servant matters, indicating an important shift towards a more balanced and equitable personnel policy across the armed forces. According to Ministry officials, this change is intended to ensure a fairer and more independent military personnel management system, which is in line with Minister Ahn Kyuback's ongoing emphasis on civilianizing the defense ministry.

Additionally, the reform includes the renaming of the International Cooperation Division to the International Peace Cooperation Division and extending the duration of the Gender Equality Policy Team, reflecting a commitment to gender equity within military operations. These changes highlight a significant strategic move within South Korea's military and defense policy, aimed at modernizing the governance of the armed forces and ensuring that civilian perspectives guide military administration and personnel decisions much more effectively than before.