North Korea Appoints New Defense Minister and Revives Senior Military Strategist

August 30, 2026 09:17

SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has restructured his senior military hierarchy, appointing Kim Song-gi as defense minister and reinstating veteran strategist Pak Jong-chon as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, according to state media outlet KCNA.

Kim Song-gi, formerly director of the military’s political bureau, assumes the defense ministry role previously held by No Kwang-chol, who has been reassigned to a senior position within the influential Munitions Industry Department.

The leadership reshuffle coincides with Kim Jong Un’s recognition of defense scientists for advancements in combat weaponry, occurring amid Pyongyang’s closer alignment with Moscow during Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

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