Missile expert named to lead state arms development body

A missile expert has been promoted to head South Korea's state arms development agency, filling the post left vacant for seven months, the Ministry of National Defense announced Monday.

Nam Sae-kyu, who served as vice president of the Agency for Defense Development, has been picked to assume the job for a three-year tenure.

Having joined the ADD in 1978, he led the development of the Hyunmoo ballistic missile system. He also worked as the chief of a guided weapon system team.

Nam Sae-kyu, new president of the Agency for Defense Development, in a photo provided by the Ministry of National Defense (Yonhap)

He's currently doubling as vice president of the Korea Association of Defense Industry Studies.

"He's the right figure with the qualifications necessary to lead the ADD," said the ministry. "The ADD is expected to play a leading role in the development of the (local) defense science sector as the credited figure has been appointed as its president." (Yonhap)