North Korea defence minister dismissed: state media

North Korea's defence minister has been dismissed as part of a military leadership reshuffle, according to state media. The decision was made during a meeting led by Kim Jong Un, who is reported to have named Kim Song Gi as the new defence minister. Kim Song Gi, who directs the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army, is set to take over the role of defence minister, while No Kwang Chol was demoted to the first vice-director of the Munitions Industry Department.

In a separate ceremony, Kim Jong Un praised scientists, researchers, and officials for their advancements in defence technology, awarding them top national honours. The honorees reportedly made significant contributions to resolving scientific and technological problems in developing new combat weapon systems.

The nuclear-armed state has also developed exclusive technologies, which officials described as an event strengthening the country's military and technological capabilities. This comes after joint annual drills between South Korea and the United States concluded, with Pyongyang viewing them as preparations for an invasion. US President Donald Trump had previously denounced the drills as provocative and bashed South Korea for not supporting his war against Iran.

Despite Trump's overtures, North Korea has continued to fire missiles and condemn US arms sales to South Korea and plans to fund programmes documenting human rights abuses in the North.