North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has carried out a major reshuffle of the country’s senior military leadership, appointing Kim Song-gi as defence minister and bringing veteran strategist Pak Jong-chon back as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission.
State media KCNA reported on Sunday that Kim Song-gi, who previously headed the military’s political bureau, would replace No Kwang-chol as defence minister.
No Kwang-chol has instead been moved to a senior position within the powerful Munitions Industry Department, which plays a key role in North Korea’s weapons development.
The leadership changes come as Pyongyang continues to strengthen its military capabilities and deepen its ties with Moscow amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
The reshuffle also coincided with Kim Jong Un honouring defence scientists credited with advancing North Korea’s combat weapons, highlighting the leadership’s continued focus on military technology and weapons development.
Pak Jong-chon’s return to a senior position is particularly notable, given his experience as a key military strategist and his previous influence within North Korea’s top military decision-making structure.
The latest appointments suggest Kim Jong Un is continuing to adjust his senior military team as North Korea places greater emphasis on weapons development, military preparedness and its growing strategic cooperation with Russia.
