South Korean president-elect Yoon Suk-yeol has nominated a former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) under Moon Jae-in to serve as his defense minister, as the incoming administration calibrates its approach to escalating North Korea tensions since earlier this year.

At a briefing following his selection, retired three-star lieutenant general Lee Jong-sup emphasized the need to build up South Korea’s independent military capabilities while also coordinating with the U.S. to deter threats from Pyongyang.

“North Korea policy and ROK-U.S. relations are both important,” Lee said. “It is true that