[Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu]General Kim Seung-gyeom (59, Korea Military Academy Class of '82) will be inaugurated as the 43rd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on the 5th.
After the inauguration ceremony on this day, General Kim will be recorded as the first chairman since the introduction of the confirmation hearing system for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2006 who did not go through a hearing. General Kim has served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at the ROK-US Combined Forces Command, Commander of the Army's 3rd Corps (Lieutenant General), Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, and Deputy Commander of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command (General). During his time as a company commander in 1992, he was awarded the Eulji Military Merit Medal for his achievements in the 'Eunhak Valley Large-scale Infiltration Operation,' where he killed all three armed infiltrators who crossed the Military Demarcation Line.
After completing the inauguration ceremony and officially starting his duties, he must immediately prepare for the possibility of North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations, and also consult with the Commander of the United States Forces Korea on issues such as the effective measures for extended deterrence agreed upon at the May ROK-US summit and the expansion of joint exercises.
There are many challenges to address, including responding to North Korean provocations, discussing the transfer of wartime operational control, and other ROK-US military issues. North Korea is assessed to be fully prepared to conduct a nuclear test at the third tunnel of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site in Kilju County, North Hamgyong Province, at any time. The inauguration ceremony for General Kim and the retirement ceremony for General Won In-chul, the 42nd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will be held simultaneously.
On the same day, the newly appointed General Kim will receive his appointment letter and the Samjeong Sword (삼정검, a sword with a flag attached by a string) from President Yoon Suk-yeol in the afternoon, followed by the inauguration ceremony at the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Samjeong Sword symbolizes the unity of the Army, Navy, and Air Force in achieving the three spirits of national defense, unification, and prosperity, and is awarded upon promotion to Brigadier General. When promoted to Lieutenant General or General, the President attaches a flag to the handle of the sword received at the Brigadier General rank, inscribed with the officer's rank, name, date of award, and the President's name.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
