North Korea names new defense minister

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un overhauled his senior military leadership, appointing Kim Song-gi as ‌defense minister ⁠and ⁠restoring veteran strategist Pak Jong-chon as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, state media outlet KCNA reported on ⁠Sunday.

Kim Song-gi, ‌previously the ​director ​of the ⁠military’s political bureau, replaces No Kwang-chol, ​who was reassigned ​to a senior role within the powerful Munitions Industry Department.

The high-level reshuffle coincides ‌with Kim Jong Un honoring defense ​scientists for ​advancing ⁠the country’s combat weaponry at a time when Pyongyang has ​moved closer to Moscow amid Russia’s war with Ukraine.