Kim Jong-un overhauls North Korea's military command

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un chaired a meeting of the Central Military Commission that resulted in a sweeping overhaul of the country's top military leadership, including the replacement of the defense minister. The structural reorganization comes right after the conclusion of joint U.S.–South Korean military exercises. In addition to the personnel changes, the regime honored scientists for advances in the development of new weapons systems.

Changes in North Korean defense leadership

During the meeting held on Saturday, August 29, Kim Jong-un ordered the dismissal of No Kwang Chol from the post of defense minister. No Kwang Chol was removed from the central leadership of the Workers' Party of Korea and demoted to first vice‑director of the Ammunition Industry Department. He was replaced by Kim Song Gi, who previously served as director of the General Political Office of the Korean People's Army.

New appointments in Pyongyang's military structure

The reshuffle promoted by Kim Jong-un also affected other strategic positions within the regime. Defense adviser Pak Jong Chon was appointed vice‑president of the Central Military Commission and joined the party's Political Bureau. In addition, Yu Kwang U, then director of the Korean People's Army Security Department, became director‑general of the institution's Political Department, while Om Ju Ho, political commissioner of the Air Force, was assigned to Yu Kwang U's former post.

Awards for weapons‑sector scientists

In a separate ceremony, Kim Jong-un honored scientists, researchers and staff of defense research institutes for their contributions to new combat weapons systems. The North Korean leader praised the advances in military science and technology and referred to the team as "patriots and heroes." In June, he had overseen tests of a new long‑range multiple‑rocket launch system and artillery.

Tensions and military exercises in the region

The military restructuring in North Korea was announced shortly after the end of the annual drills between South Korea and the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the shortening of those exercises, calling them provocative, and criticized Seoul for not supporting Washington's stance against Iran. Although Trump praised Kim Jong-un and hinted at a new meeting, North Korea continued missile launches and condemned the joint military activities.

Ministerial reform in neighboring South Korea

Following the North's move, South Korea also began a cabinet reform under President Lee Jae Myung. Former deputy commander of the South Korea‑U.S. Combined Forces Command, Kang Shin‑chul, was nominated for the defense minister post. The South Korean reform, which still awaits legislative approval, aims to rebuild independent defense capabilities backed by the alliance with the United States.

With information from VEJA, Vietnam.vn.