PYONGYANG, April 22 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has appointed Kim Kyok-sik as new chief of the general staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA), the leading official newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported on Sunday.

The newspaper released news of the appointment in the reports that DPRK top leader Kim Jong-il inspected KPA Unit 1637 and Navy Unit 790 with some senior army officials.

"He (Kim Jong-il) was accompanied by KPA General Kim Kyok-sik, chief of the General Staff of the KPA," said the Rodong Sinmun.

The newspaper didn't give any further details about the new KPA chief of the general staff.

Kim Yong-chun, the former chief of the general staff, was promoted to vice chairman of the National Defence Commission on April 11.