Adm. Um Hyun-seong has been promoted and nominated as the new chief of naval operations, the Ministry of National Defense said Monday.
The incoming Navy chairman will relieve incumbent Adm. Jung Ho-sup. The 58-year-old admiral has been serving as the vice chairman of Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Leem Ho-young, 57, chief director of JCS’ Strategic Planning Directorate, will replace Gen. Kim Hyun-jip as the deputy commander of the South Korea-US Combined Forces Command.

The new commanders will be officially appointed by President Park Geun-hye after the nomination has been confirmed at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, according to the ministry,

The appointment takes place as North Korea has stepped up its threats against the South with its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.

Pyongyang last month conducted a successful test firing of a submarine-launched ballistic missile, followed by a nuclear test on Sept. 9.

By Yoon Min-sik (minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com)