PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) -- A North Korean state media dispatch shows that leader Kim Jong Un has named a hardline general as his new military chief.

The new title for Kim Kyok Sik came in a dispatch Wednesday from the North's Korean Central News Agency detailing a delegation at Pyongyang's airport that was seeing off a special envoy on a trip to China. There were no other details on the appointment.

Kim Kyok Sik previously held the military chief post until 2009. He also was defense minister until being recently replaced by a little-known general. He is the former commander of battalions believed responsible for attacks in 2010 that killed 50 South Koreans.

Kim replaces Hyon Yong Chol as military chief.

Military chief is considered a higher-ranking position than defense minister.