South Korea must develop “self-reliant defense” capabilities to counter North Korea, the nominee for the ROK’s top military post said Wednesday, dismissing concerns that the Lee administration’s policies will weaken the U.S.-ROK alliance.

Air Force Gen. Jin Yong-sung, tapped to be the next Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) chairman, made the comments during his confirmation hearing before the National Assembly’s Defense Committee, where lawmakers pressed him on South Korea’s readiness against DPRK threats and President Lee Jae-myung’s push for the transfer of operational control (OPCON) during his term.