South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol nominated ruling party lawmaker Shin Won-sik to serve as his defense minister earlier this month, and despite his military experience, the retired lieutenant general has proven to be one of the most controversial candidates in Yoon’s latest cabinet reshuffle.

The debate has focused on Shin’s past remarks appearing to praise ROK dictators of yesteryear, as well as on his support for improving ties with Japan and alleged alignment with right-wing political movements.