North Korea: Defense Minister Dismissed and Demoted in Ruling Party Leadership - Sarmad

North Korean state media reported on Sunday that changes had been made to the country’s military leadership, including the dismissal of Defense Minister No Kwang Chol.

The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated that the “structural reorganization plans” were decided during a meeting held on Saturday, presided over by Kim Jong Un.

The agency added that No Kwang Chol was not only relieved of his post as defense minister but also demoted within the leadership of the ruling party to become “First Deputy Director of the Munitions Industry Administration.”

Kim Sung Gye, director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People’s Army, was appointed as the new defense minister.

Another senior official, Defense Advisor Pak Jong Chon, was appointed as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the ruling party and was added to the party’s Political Bureau.

The reshuffling of the leadership comes shortly after the conclusion of joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States.

These exercises, which Pyongyang regularly condemns and views as preparation for an invasion, drew close attention this year after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a reduction in his country’s participation.

Trump criticized the drills, describing them as provocative to North Korea, and attacked Seoul for not supporting his war against Iran.

The U.S. president also praised North Korean leader Kim, whom he met twice during his first term.