New Marine Corps Commander Kim Tae-seong Appointed as 1st Division Commander... Promoted to Lieutenant General (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter]The government appointed Kim Tae-seong, commander of the 1st Marine Division, as the new Commandant of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps on the 8th. This is a follow-up personnel change following the retirement of former Lieutenant General Lee Seung-do.

The Ministry of National Defense stated in a press release that day, "We plan to promote Major General Kim Tae-seong, current commander of the 1st Marine Division, to Lieutenant General and appoint him as the Commandant of the Marine Corps."

Appointed as the new Commandant, Kim Tae-seong is regarded as an expert in marine operations and strategy, having served as commander of the 1st Marine Division, chief of staff of the Marine Corps Headquarters, director of the Marine Corps Headquarters Planning Office, and commander of the 6th Marine Brigade.

He graduated first in his class from the 42nd Naval Academy and received the Presidential Award. He also completed the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College and is reported to have excellent English proficiency.

The Ministry of National Defense described Kim as "a general with strategic insight and capabilities in combined and joint operations, possessing excellent policy mindset and military sensibility, and highly respected by senior and junior officers alike," adding, "He was selected as the Commandant of the Marine Corps because he has the ability to manage the organization with stability."

The Ministry added, "We will continue to prioritize individual ability, expertise, character, and future applicability in selecting the right candidates to lead the construction of a strong and future-ready defense."