111 military officers promoted in reshuffle
A total of 111 senior military officers were promoted Thursday as part of a major reshuffle following criticism that the military responded feebly to North Korea's artillery attack last month.
The promotions follow the resignation of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Hwang Eui-don, who quit this week amid allegations over his controversial property investment. His successor, Third Army Commander Gen. Kim Sang-ki, was due to take office later in the day.
Navy V. Adm. Kim Jeong-du was named deputy chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, while Army Lt. Gen. Shin Hyun-don was promoted to head the Special Warfare Command.
As part of the reshuffle, Army Col. Song Myung-soon was promoted to a brigadier general, becoming the nation's first one-star female officer among female combatant officers, the ministry said in a statement.
Seventy-five Army officers, 14 Navy officers and 22 Air Force officers were promoted and appointed to key military posts.
"With the personnel reshuffle, the military strives to build strong armed forces that can fight and win by further ensuring combat readiness," a senior ministry official said.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain tense after North Korea bombarded the border island of Yeonpyeong in the Yellow Sea on Nov. 23, killing two civilians and two marines.
The military has been under fire for its perceived weak response to the artillery attack. Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin has vowed to use air power against the North if attacked again.