North Korea’s defence minister dismissed in reshuffle of military leadership

North Korea's defence minister, Kwang-chol, has been dismissed as part of a reshuffle of the country's military leadership, according to state media. The decision was made during a meeting led by Kim Jong-un, who also demoted him to "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.

Defence adviser Pak Jong-chon 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 during the reshuffle. During a ceremony held on Saturday, Kim Jong-un praised scientists, researchers, and officials for their advancements in defence technology, awarding them top national honours for their work on new combat weapon systems.

In late June, Kim had overseen tests of a new extended-range multiple rocket launcher and artillery system. The leadership changes come shortly after joint annual drills between South Korea and the US concluded. The drills, which North Korea routinely denounces as preparations for invasion, were closely watched this year following US President Donald Trump's decision to shorten them.

Trump had criticized the drills as provocative towards North Korea and bashed Seoul for not backing his war against Iran. Despite Trump's overtures and their willingness to meet, North Korea has shown little interest in reciprocating, continuing to fire missiles and condemn US approvals of arms sales to South Korea and funding for programs documenting human rights abuses in the North.