Seoul appointed a controversial retired lieutenant general as defense minister on Friday, who stated that the North Korean regime would face its “end” if it provoked South Korea during his inaugural speech. 

Kim Yong-hyun served as the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff’s (JCS) chief of operations from 2015 to 2017. He oversaw presidential security throughout Yoon Suk-yeol’s term so far, and was appointed defense minister without parliamentary approval. Kim’s confirmation hearing was held earlier this week.