Seoul: Army Lt. Gen. Lee Sang-lyeol has been appointed as the new chief of the Ground Operations Command, the defense ministry announced. This appointment comes approximately two months after the previous commander was dismissed due to suspicions of involvement in martial law activities. According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee, who currently commands the 3rd Corps, will be elevated to the rank of a four-star general in his new position. His formal appointment is expected to be confirmed by President Lee Jae Myung after a Cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday. The defense ministry highlighted Lee's extensive combat experience and commanding skills, which are seen as essential for maintaining a robust military readiness posture amidst the challenging security dynamics on the Korean Peninsula and the broader global security environment. The ministry emphasized that Lee is well-equipped with leadership qualities necessary for enhancing the capabilities of future ground forces and successfully leading theater opera tions, thanks to his comprehensive understanding and strategic insight into ground operations. In February, the defense ministry removed both the Chief of Naval Operations and the Ground Operations Commander from their positions due to their alleged involvement in a failed martial law attempt by former President Yoon Suk Yeol in late 2024. Once Lee's appointment is finalized, all seven four-star general positions within the military will be occupied. The military recently filled the position of the Navy chief last month. Lee will become the second chief of the Ground Operations Command who is not an alumnus of the Korea Military Academy upon his appointment. Several military officers from the academy have been charged with insurrection and abuse of power related to their roles in martial law activities.