On August 1, 2023, during an incident regarding the death of Marine Corporal Chae, messages were exchanged between then-Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-seop and Marine Corps Commander Kim Gye-hwan. In these messages, a level of decorum and hierarchy was maintained despite the rising ranks of the officers involved. The military advisor's position, traditionally seen as an extension of the Minister’s authority, now sees a shift with the appointment of Kim Seon-bong, a senior civil servant who ascended from the Ministry of National Defense planning department, marking a significant departure from past appointments which were exclusively held by military officers.

This change indicates a strategic realignment within the Ministry to strengthen civilian oversight and reinforce the notion of a 'people's military,' moving away from the traditional military-exclusive leadership model that characterized the defense advisory role. The transition from a military officer to a civilian in this capacity suggests a broader objective of integrating non-military perspectives into defense strategies and operations, which could fundamentally influence how defense policies are proposed and implemented.

The restructuring also reflects an effort to align military practices with democratic principles, acknowledging that a modern military should not be solely led by those with military backgrounds but also by professionals skilled in administration and governance. As public sentiment increasingly favors civilian oversight in military matters, this appointment may be viewed as a positive step towards enhancing accountability and transparency within South Korea’s defense administration.