Adm. Kim Kyung-ryul took office as the new Navy chief on March 25, pledging to bolster naval power by combining manned and unmanned combat capabilities. His predecessor, Adm. Kang Dong-gil, stepped down over alleged involvement in a botched martial law bid in late 2024. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back highlighted maritime security's link to national interests amid Middle East tensions.
Adm. Kim Kyung-ryul assumed office as the new chief of the Republic of Korea Navy on March 25 in Seoul, vowing to enhance naval strength by integrating manned and unmanned combat capabilities. In his inauguration address, Kim stated, 'Under dire security situations, the calling of our Navy and the Marine Corps is to protect the people's lives, and the nation's prosperity and security through naval power strong enough to ensure no one can undermine the maritime sovereignty of the Republic of Korea.' He outlined plans to bolster readiness through current capability improvements and advances in artificial intelligence-based manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) systems. MUM-T involves coordinating unmanned systems, such as drones, with manned forces under an AI-driven integrated command structure. Kim, formerly commander of the Republic of Korea Fleet, was promoted to admiral following parliamentary deliberation the previous day. He replaces Adm. Kang Dong-gil, who offered to resign earlier this month after facing 'heavy' disciplinary action from the defense ministry over allegations of instructing a subordinate to support a martial law command on the night of Dec. 3, 2024. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, citing recent Middle East crises and energy supply disruptions, stressed that 'maritime security is directly linked to the country's core national interest.' Ahn urged, 'By establishing a firm maritime security posture, the Navy should proudly fulfill its duty to protect the people from five great oceans and six continents.' He also called for uninterrupted progress on South Korea's bid to build nuclear-powered submarines, approved by the United States during leaders' summit agreements in November.
