N. Korea replaces defense minister with Kim Song-gi in military reshuffle: KCNA

North Korea has made significant changes to its senior military leadership, according to state media reports. The country's defense minister, No Kwang-chol, has been replaced by Kim Song-gi, who now holds the top defense role, reported the North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). No Kwang-chol was not only removed from his position as defense minister but also stripped of his place in the Party's central leadership, being appointed as the first vice-director of the Munitions Industry Department within the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) Central Committee.

The leadership reshuffle took place following the second meeting of the ninth WPK Central Military Commission, which was directed by North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un. This decision was announced on the same day as the meeting.

In this latest restructuring, Pak Jong-chon, a veteran military official, has been appointed as vice-chairman of the WPK Central Military Commission. Pak achieved this position after being re-elected to the Party's Central Committee and Politburo. His return to prominence in North Korea's military hierarchy occurred after he had previously stepped down from both the Politburo and Party secretary posts, as well as being removed from the Central Military Commission.