North Korea’s defence minister dismissed

Seoul, South Korea - North Korea's defence minister has been dismissed and replaced, as part of a military leadership reshuffle announced by leader Kim Jong Un, according to state media. Kwang Chol was removed from his position and demoted to a lower role within the Munitions Industry Department, while Kim Song Gi was appointed as the new defence minister.

This move comes after a meeting led by Kim, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Additionally, other senior officials received promotions, including Pak Jong Chon, who was named vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and added to the ruling party's Political Bureau. North Korea also honored scientists and officials for their advancements in defence technology, bestowing them with top national honors for their work on new combat weapon systems.

The decision to reshuffle the military leadership occurred shortly after joint US-South Korea drills concluded, which Pyongyang views as invasion preparations. The US President, Donald Trump, has previously criticized these drills, while North Korea continues to fire missiles and criticize US arms sales to South Korea and its plans to document human rights abuses.