Pak Jong-chon, a deputy chairman of the Central Military Commission, has returned to work. In a move that appears to shake up North Korea's military leadership, state media KCNA reported on April 11 that Pak Jong-chon has been reinstated as a member of the State Affairs Commission and as deputy chairman of the Central Military Commission. Pak Jong-chon had seemingly fallen out of favor with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in 2020, when he was replaced by Jo Chun-ryong as a member of the Party Central Committee's Politburo. The recent personnel changes also saw the dismissal of Defence Minister Ri Kwang-chol, KCNA reported. The reasons behind the personnel changes remain unclear.

North Korean officials recently reconvened at the 9th session of the 2nd Committee of the Central Military Commission, discussing reforms to the organizational structure. At the meeting, held under the chairmanship of Kim Jong-un, the Supreme Leader, discussions centered around the evaluation of the recent political-military activities of the Workers' Party of Korea, the Korean People's Army, and the political-military activities of the North Korean regime.

The meeting concluded with the appointment of former presidential office official, Park Jeong-tae, as a deputy to the Central Military Commission, while the incumbent, Kim Woo-jin, was officially demoted. The move comes amid a broader effort to improve and modernize all aspects of the military and its operations. Park's return to the Central Military Commission follows his demotion to the position of Deputy Chief of the Department of Military Industry six months prior.

Meanwhile, North Korea has recently held a joint meeting of the Party, the State, and the Army, openly discussing and detailing the punishment of high-ranking officials involved in alleged "special-case corruption" within the military. This recent development may be part of a broader effort to clean up internal corruption and reinforce discipline within the military ranks.

In the same meeting, Kim Yong-un was named as the Deputy Chief of the Political Department, while Eom Ju-ho was appointed to the position of Deputy Chief of the Military Department. These appointments highlight the continued focus on strengthening the military's internal governance and operational capabilities. Kim Jong-un also recognized several key scientific researchers and officials from the leading military research institutions for their contributions to the development of new weapons and their efforts to enhance military performance.