Nominee for Air Force Chief of Staff, Lee Seong-yong

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu]Lee Seong-yong (56), the nominee for Chief of Staff of the Air Force (currently Director of the Strategic Planning Headquarters at the Joint Chiefs of Staff), is regarded as a general with outstanding expertise in air operations command and defense capability improvement.

Lee, a graduate of the 34th class of the Air Force Academy, was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1986 and has held key positions across operations, planning, projects, and military force development, including Director of the Command and Reconnaissance Project Division at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, Commander of the 10th Fighter Wing, Chief of the Planning and Management Staff at Air Force Headquarters, and Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force.

Within the military, he is known for a work style that values fundamentals and principles while demonstrating creativity and drive.

An Air Force official described him as a strong yet gentle leader who practices communication and consideration toward those around him while maintaining strictness toward himself.

Lee has logged over 2,400 flight hours primarily on the F-5 fighter jet and received the Presidential Citation in 2009 and the Order of National Security Merit, Cheonsu Medal, in 2014.

Lee expressed, "I feel a heavy responsibility to take on the important role of Air Force Chief of Staff at a critical time when the Air Force is advancing toward becoming an Aerospace Force. I will devote myself fully to making the Air Force strong, trusted, and loved by the people."

His family includes his wife, Jo Gyeong-jin, and their son and daughter.

▲ Seoul (56) ▲ Dongguk University High School of Education ▲ 34th class of the Air Force Academy ▲ Master’s in Military Strategy from the Korea National Defense University ▲ Director of Force Requirements, Planning and Management Staff, Air Force Headquarters ▲ Joint Operations Coordinator, 3rd Army Command, Army ▲ Director of Command and Reconnaissance Project Division, Defense Acquisition Program Administration ▲ Commander, 10th Fighter Wing ▲ Chief of Planning and Management Staff, Air Force Headquarters ▲ Vice Chief of Staff, Air Force Headquarters ▲ Director of Strategic Planning Headquarters, Joint Chiefs of Staff

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.