N. Korea removes assembly vice chairman, amends construction, precious metal laws

North Korea's parliament convened a presidium meeting this week to remove an assembly vice chairman and amend two key laws, according to state media reports. The Standing Committee of the 15th Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) convened its second plenary session on Thursday, overseen by Vice Chairman Kim Hyong-sik, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The proceedings involved recalling one vice chairman and a committee member, though the identities of these individuals were not disclosed. The SPA comprises two vice chairmen, Kim and Ri Son-gwon, with Kim presiding over the meeting, suggesting that Ri may have been dismissed. Ri Son-gwon has previously held significant positions within the regime, including those related to inter-Korean and foreign affairs.

In March, he was appointed vice chairman of the SPA Standing Committee. Prior to that, he served as chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Country, held the position of foreign minister from 2020 to 2022, and led the United Front Department, responsible for relations with South Korea. The committee also passed decrees to revise the construction and precious metal management laws, although the specifics of these amendments were not elaborated upon in the report.