KIM JONG-UN REORGANISES MILITARY, REPLACES DEFENCE MINISTER

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reshuffled the country’s senior military leadership, removing Defence Minister No Kwang-chol and appointing Kim Song-gi as his replacement.

The changes were announced following a meeting of the Workers’ Party of Korea’s Central Military Commission, which was presided over by Kim Jong-un. The reshuffle is being viewed as part of a broader reorganisation of the country’s military command structure.

Kim Song-gi, who previously served as director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People’s Army, has now taken over as the country’s defence minister.

No Kwang-chol, who was removed from the defence ministry and the party’s central leadership, has instead been appointed first vice-director of the Workers’ Party’s Munitions Industry Department.

The changes also saw the return of veteran military strategist Pak Jong-chon, who was appointed vice-chairman of the Workers’ Party’s Central Military Commission.

Pak was also reinstated as a member of the party’s Central Committee and Politburo after previously stepping down from several senior positions earlier this year.

North Korean state media said the Central Military Commission discussed plans for structural reorganisation aimed at improving and developing the country’s defence affairs.

The leadership changes come as Pyongyang continues to accelerate efforts to modernise its armed forces and develop more advanced weapons systems.

Kim Jong-un has increasingly placed emphasis on strengthening North Korea’s military capabilities, including the development of missiles and other strategic weapons.

The reshuffle also comes amid North Korea’s expanding military cooperation with Russia, including reported supplies of weapons and personnel linked to the war in Ukraine.

The appointment of Kim Song-gi is particularly notable because of his previous role overseeing political affairs within the military. His elevation suggests that political control and discipline remain important priorities for the North Korean leadership.

Meanwhile, the return of Pak Jong-chon to a senior military position gives Kim Jong-un the services of an experienced strategist at a time when North Korea is pursuing an ambitious programme of military development.

The North Korean government has not provided a specific reason for No Kwang-chol’s removal from the defence ministry.

However, the leadership changes are expected to attract close attention from South Korea, the United States and other countries monitoring North Korea’s military activities.

The reshuffle comes amid continued tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with Pyongyang maintaining its focus on strengthening its military capabilities despite renewed diplomatic overtures from Washington.

The latest changes therefore appear to form part of Kim Jong-un’s broader effort to reorganise the military leadership while maintaining pressure on the development of North Korea’s defence and weapons programmes.