North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s prominent position at China’s military parade points to a regional power shift that could affect Seoul’s security, the nominee to lead South Korean armed forces said Thursday.

ROK air force General Jin Yong-sung added that the transfer of wartime operational control from Washington should happen only when both countries are fully prepared, while emphasizing the need to maintain readiness as the Lee administration pushes to restore a military pact with Pyongyang.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s prominent position at China’s military parade points to a regional power shift that could affect Seoul’s security, the nominee to lead South Korean armed forces said Thursday.

ROK air force General Jin Yong-sung added that the transfer of wartime operational control from Washington should happen only when both countries are fully prepared, while emphasizing the need to maintain readiness as the Lee administration pushes to restore a military pact with Pyongyang.