Yoon Approves Appointment of Seok Jong-geon as New Defense Acquisition Program Administration Chief

On the 16th, President Yoon Suk-yeol approved the appointment of Seok Jong-geon, former Head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Power Planning Division, as the new Administrator of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.

Administrator Seok entered the Korea Military Academy as part of the 45th class in 1985 and began his military career as a second lieutenant in 1989. After being promoted to general officer, he held positions such as Director of Power Planning Division 1 at the Joint Chiefs of Staff Strategic Planning Headquarters, Commander of the 35th Infantry Division, Commander of the 2nd Rapid Response Division Establishment Preparation Unit, and Director of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Power Planning Division.

The Presidential Office stated, "He is a retired army major general who has held key positions in the power sector, including field unit commander and Director of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Power Planning Division." It added, "In particular, he has experience leading the reorganization of units while envisioning the future power system of our military as the Commander of the 2nd Rapid Response Division Establishment Preparation Unit in 2020."

It further evaluated him as "the right person to establish a cooperative system among the Ministry of National Defense, the military, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, and defense industry companies, based on his expertise in military power systems and outstanding coordination and command abilities, while simultaneously promoting the development of a science and technology-strong military and revitalizing defense exports."