Commander Son Sik of the Army Aviation Command's Health Deteriorates

Prospects for Kang Ho-pil as Acting Chief of Joint Chiefs of Staff

Lieutenant General Son Sik, commander of the Army Ground Operations Command, is expected to be temporarily replaced by Lieutenant General Kang Ho-pil, deputy chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to military sources on the 4th, Kang is scheduled to begin serving as acting commander of the Ground Operations Command as early as this afternoon. It is reported that Commander Son is currently in poor health. Previously, former commander Jeon Dong-jin also experienced health issues.

The military plans to have Lieutenant General Kang act as commander while maintaining Commander Son's official position, and is considering replacing him in the upcoming fall general officer personnel reshuffle if his health continues to deteriorate.

A military official stated, "Due to personal circumstances, the Ground Operations Commander's ability to perform duties is limited," adding, "Considering the current security situation, the readiness for GOP and maritime/coastal defense operations, and unit command, it is necessary for a general officer of lieutenant general rank to perform the acting duties."