N. Korea defence minister dismissed

Seoul, North Korea's defence minister has been relieved of his duties as part of a military leadership overhaul, according to state media. The restructuring decisions were made during a meeting chaired by Kim Jong Un, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). No Kwang Chol, in addition to his dismissal from the defence ministry, has been demoted to the first vice-director of the Munitions Industry Department.

Kim Song Gi, the director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army, has been appointed as the new defence minister. Pak Jong Chon, a senior official, has been given the position of vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and added to the ruling party's Political Bureau. Several other promotions were also announced.

KCNA also revealed that Kim had recently honored scientists, researchers, and officials for their significant advancements in defence technology during a ceremony held on Saturday. The honourees were praised for their contributions to resolving critical scientific and technological issues related to developing new combat weapon systems.

In late June, Kim witnessed tests of a new extended-range multiple rocket launcher and artillery. This leadership reshuffle occurs shortly after joint annual drills between South Korea and the United States concluded. These exercises, regularly criticized by Pyongyang as preparations for an invasion, were scrutinized this year following US President Donald Trump's decision to shorten them.

Trump had previously expressed criticism of the drills, describing them as provocative towards North Korea and bashing Seoul for not backing his Iran war. Despite Trump's overtures and their potential resumption this year, North Korea has displayed limited receptiveness, launching missiles and condemning the reduced drills. Pyongyang has also vehemently opposed the US approval of arms sales to South Korea and plans to fund programs documenting human rights abuses in the North.