The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff () is the highest-ranking and most senior military officer in the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. The position was based to its US Armed Forces Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff but has operational differences. Unlike its US counterpart, the Chairman possesses full administrative and operational control of the entire armed forces and its overall operational commands (Army, Air Force, Navy-Marine Corps).
In accordance with Article 9, Paragraph 2 of the Armed Forces Organization Act, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is responsible for assisting the Ministry of National Defense in the creation of commands, strategies, and doctrines related to national security and defense throughout the country. The Chairman also prescribes orders and directions to all the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, namely the Chief of Staff of the Republic of Korea Army, the Chief of Naval Operations, and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force on various defense matters and oversees the entire organizational and operational activities of the armed forces. The Chairman harmonizes coordination, joint planning, and preparedness of all armed forces commands and has the power to initiate various programs towards the military. The Chairman serves as the primary advisor to the President of South Korea, who serves as the Commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and executes the President's directives and orders regarding military-related affairs in both peacetime and wartime.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, being the highest-ranking officer of the armed forces, is appointed by the President of South Korea upon the advice and selection of the Minister of National Defense. The President's nominee for the post will also need the consent and approval of the National Assembly before allowing the nominee to take over their position. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is also assisted by the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who serves as the Chairman's primary assistant in conceptualization and implementation of military policies and can take over the post as Chairman in case of the Chairman's absence.
Previous chairmen have been: