South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol nominated a retired three-star lieutenant general turned congressman known for his hawkish views on North Korea to serve as defense minister this week.

Shin Won-sik, 65, previously served in key positions during the conservative Park Geun-hye administration, notably overseeing the revision of U.S.-ROK missile guidelines to extend the range of capabilities that Seoul could develop.

After retiring from the military in 2016, he entered politics and has served as a member of the National Assembly since 2020.

But while Shin is well regarded for his military career, he has attracted attention for controversial remarks on