South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has nominated a former ambassador to the United Nations to be the new foreign minister.

The South Korean presidential office announced on Tuesday that Cho Tae-yul will replace current foreign minister Park Jin. Cho has been a diplomat, previously assuming such posts as second vice foreign minister.

South Korean media reported that the replacement is due to Park's plan to run in the April general election.

The presidential office also said that national security advisor Cho Tae-yong will assume the top post at the National Intelligence Service. The post has been vacant due to the resignation of the director.

In October, Yoon replaced the defense minister. South Korea's Yonhap News Agency pointed out that with the series of replacements of foreign and security chiefs, the Yoon administration is gearing up to put its top priority on responding to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.