South Korea Appoints New Defence Chief

Jeong Kyeong-doo pictured during a meeting in Hawaii, 2017 (Image: PA).

South Korean President Moon-Jae-in has appointed the country's new Defence Minister.

Jeong Kyeong-doo, 58, who is a former pilot will take over the ministry during a period where the government is working to build a relationship with North Korea.

He will also be taking over while uncertainty over relations with its main ally, the United States, remains in the balance.

Mr Kyeong-doo will be replacing Song Young-moo.

He will be South Korea’s first defence minister with an air force background in 24 years, its reported.

The appointment comes as US President Donald Trump has said there is "no reason" to spend more money on military war games with South Korea.