Seoul, Aug 12 (EFE).- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol named a new defense minister Monday, while his predecessor will become national security adviser.
Current Presidential Security Service Head Kim Yong-hyun will replace Shin Won-sik at the helm of the ministry.
Chang Ho-jin, who until now held Shin’s new position, will take up a newly created position, that of special adviser for foreign and security affairs, according to the announcement made by presidential chief of staff Chung Jin-suk in a briefing reported by local news agency Yonhap.
The new defense minister is a former three-star general in the army who had been serving as head of the Presidential Security Service since Yoon took office in May 2022.
His nomination is subject to parliamentary confirmation, although the president can go ahead with the appointment and name the candidate regardless of the result.
This reform of the South Korean security area comes hours after the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff announced the planned period for the Ulchi Freedom Shield summer maneuvers with the United States Army, which will take place between Aug. 19 and Aug. 29.
The joint exercises will focus on «deterrence and defense against weapons of mass destruction» from North Korea, at a time of poor cross-border relations, especially since the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, declared the South to be the «main national enemy» at the beginning of the year. EFE
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