New Marine Corps commander appointed

By Jun Ji-hye

The government announced the selection of a new Marine Corps commander, Monday.

Maj. Gen. Jun Jin-goo, currently deputy commander of the Corps, will be promoted to lieutenant general and assume command later this week, as his predecessor, Lt. Gen. Lee Sang-hoon will end his two-year tenure and retire from military service, according to the Ministry of National Defense.

A change of command ceremony will take place Thursday as no confirmation hearing is required.

“Jun has gained expertise and capabilities in combined and joint operations,” the ministry said in a release. “He also has enjoyed strong respect in senior-junior relations.”

The Ministry noted that acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn pushed for making such an appointment, considering that a vacuum in the position would pose a serious national security concern. The government, which usually carries out the reshuffling of top military officers in April, will delay other appointments until after the May 9 presidential election, the ministry added.