12 June 2017

News Story: New defense minister viewed as right man for reforming military

SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- Song Young-moo, who was named the new defense minister, is well known for his expertise in defense strategy and has extensive experience in setting plans for reforming the military under a former liberal government.

His appointment by President Moon Jae-in is widely seen as reflecting the president's resolve to reform the military, one of Moon's key campaign pledges. Song, 68, served as a co-chairman of the defense security committee under Moon's camp.

Song, a former chief of naval operations, is known for his expertise in defense strategy and has good understanding of the military's structure and Moon's design to overhaul the military, according to the presidential office.

"The nominee is viewed as the right person in beefing up the military's response to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, and pushing for positive change," Cheong Wa Dae said.

Song served as the top naval officer under former liberal President Roh Moo-hyun from 2006-2008.

Read the full story at YonhapNews