President Yoon Suk Yeol (left) hands over the appointment certificate to new Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun during a ceremony at the presidential office in Seoul, September 6. (Source: Yonhap)

According to Yonhap news agency, Mr. Kim Yong-hyun, a retired three-star general of the army and a close aide to President Yoon Suk Yoel, was nominated for the position last month to replace Mr. Shin Won-sik, who is currently serving as National Security Adviser.

During his confirmation hearing, Kim Yong-hyun was questioned by opposition lawmakers about security breaches at the presidential office, including the fall of North Korean balloons containing waste on the presidential office compound in July and drone incursions into nearby airspace in December 2022.

He also dismissed opposition concerns that the government might be preparing to declare martial law through the appointment of a close associate of President Yoon, as the defense minister has the authority to propose such a law to the president.

In his inaugural speech, the new South Korean defense minister vowed to take a tough stance on North Korea, while affirming his readiness to consider all military options, including South Korea's nuclear weapons, if necessary to address security concerns.

"We will establish a defensive posture and overwhelming capabilities to deter provocations. In case of provocations, we will make them pay dearly according to the principle of immediate, strong and final punishment," Mr. Kim said.