Office of National Security
The Office of National Security assists the President of South Korea. It is led by a ministerial-level Director who is appointed by the President without nomination hearing at the legislature unlike other ministerial-level posts. The director often serves as the counterpart of National Security Advisor of the United States. Moreover, the director serves as the chairperson of the standing committee of National [Security Council (South Korea)|National Security Council], which is established by Article 91 of the Constitution and chaired by the President, whilst its first Deputy Director serves as the Council's secretary-general.
History
The very first attempt to install a control tower to oversee the national security issues within South Korean government was initiated in Roh administration. The prototype organisation was established during Roh Moo-hyun administration but was abolished by Roh's successor, Lee Myung-bak. In 2013 the following Park Geun-hye administration established the Office to revive the organisation which oversees national security affairs and supports National Security Council. President Moon Jae-in restructured the Office and expanded its functions. Under President Moon, the first deputy dealt with security affairs whilst its second deputy foreign affairs and Inter-Korean relations. Under Moon's successor, Yoon Suk-yeol, deputies' roles have been reversed.The Office of National Security often holds emergency meetings when North Korea launches ballistic missiles or shows hostile and belligerent movements towards South Korea.