S. Korea replaces top military intelligence official

The Defense Ministry on Tuesday replaced the head of its key intelligence organization, apparently

holding him accountable for failing to give timely and appropriate advice with regard to a series of recent fatal incidents in the barracks.

The ministry appointed Lt. Gen. Cho Hyun-chon to lead the Defense Security Command, replacing Lt. Gen. Lee Jae-soo, who took the post just a year ago.

It was part of the regular shake-up of generals. Many viewed it as a de facto dismissal of Lee from the post.

The military has come under fierce public criticism over several accidents and bad incidents involving soldiers. In April, a private first class choked to death after being beaten by his seniors. In June, a sergeant at a front-line base killed five of his comrades in a shooting spree. He was found to have long been bullied.

In September, two special forces soldiers suffocated during a torture training exercise that simulated the conditions they would face in captivity.

The ministry, meanwhile, said Lt. Gen. Kim You-geun has been named as the new vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Lt.

Gen. Park Chan-ju was tapped as the vice chief of staff of the Army, it added. (Yonhap)