President Yoon Suk Yeol named Presidential Security Service (PSS) chief Kim Yong-hyun as new defense minister while Defense Minister Shin Won-sik was named as new national security adviser, his office said Monday. National security adviser Chang Ho-jin was named as special adviser for foreign affairs and security, a newly created post, presidential chief of staff Chung Jin-suk said in a briefing. Kim, a former three-star Army general, has served as PSS chief since Yoon took office in May 2022 and oversaw the relocation of the presidential office to Yongsan from the former presidential complex Cheong Wa Dae. "The security situation at home and abroad is more serious than ever. National security is directly linked to the economy," Kim said during the briefing. "If appointed defense minister, I will establish a robust security posture based on strong power." His nomination is subject to a parliamentary confirmation hearing, though the president can go ahead and appoint the nominee regardless of the hearing' s outcome. Shin, also a retired three-star general, has served as defense minister since October. He previously served as a lawmaker of the ruling People Power Party. Chang is a career diplomat who served as ambassador to Russia and first vice minister of foreign affairs under the Yoon administration. Source: Yonhap News Agency
(LEAD) Yoon names new defense minister, national security adviser
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