He will replace Adm. Choi Yoon-hee, whose two-year term ends in mid-October.

Lee became the first graduate of the Army Academy to be nominated for the post, which has largely been dominated by graduates from the elite Korea Military Academy.

Lee is subject to a confirmation hearing at the National Assembly, of which a date has not been set yet.

The selection was made in consideration of the nominees' administrative philosophy, professionalism, leadership and innovative capacity, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Lee's nomination was not widely expected, and is apparently aimed at providing a fresh boost to the military leadership and encouraging cohesion among service members.

Lee, born in the southeastern city of Daegu, is known for his expertise in joint operation and training as well as promoting unity among soldiers.

Previously, he led the Aviation Operations Command; the Capital Corps., the psychological warfare division at the JCS; and the Second Army Division.

"He is suitable for boosting the unity of the military, spearheading defense reform and maintaining firm combat readiness," a ministry official said.

In the regular shake-up, Gen. Jang Jun-gyu, currently the First Army commander, was tapped as the Army chief of staff, replacing Gen. Kim Yo-hwan.

Third Army Commander Kim Hyun-jip was appointed as the deputy commander of the Combined Forces Command, while Air Force Ltd. Gen.

Jeong Kyeong-doo was promoted to general and the Air Force chief of staff.

Along with the nominees, three Army lieutenant generals will get promoted to generals to assume the commanding posts left empty in the latest reshuffle, according to the ministry.

After their confirmation, the new military leadership will carry out a personnel shake-up on military servicemen of the lieutenant general level or below, it added. (Yonhap)