Korea has tapped the deputy commander of the Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command as new chairman of the country's Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The Defense Ministry on Sunday said Army General Jung Seung-jo will replace Gen. Han Min-koo as top military officer in a major reshuffle of senior brass in early November.

The formal appointment will come after the reshuffle plan passes the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday followed by President Lee Myung-bak's final approval. The nominee will then go through a confirmation hearing in the National Assembly.

Jung was commander of a Korean contingent in Iraq and is known for his expertise in strategy and operations.