Archive · 30 Aug 2026
North Korea Reshuffles Military Leadership, Names New Defence Minister
North Korea changed some of its top military leaders.
Kim Song-gi became the country’s new defence minister.
He replaced No Kwang-chol, who received another senior military-related job.
Pak Jong-chon returned to an important position on the Central Military Commission.
North Korean state media said leader Kim Jong Un made these changes.
The changes happened while Kim was honouring scientists who work on weapons.
North Korea has also been moving closer to Russia.
This is happening while Russia is at war with Ukraine.
Kim Jong Un appointed Kim Song-gi as North Korea’s defence minister, KCNA reported.
Kim Song-gi previously directed the military’s political bureau and replaces No Kwang-chol.
No Kwang-chol was reassigned to a senior role in the Munitions Industry Department.
Veteran strategist Pak Jong-chon returned as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission.
The reshuffle coincided with Kim Jong Un honouring defence scientists for advances in combat weaponry.
- Who
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Kim Song-gi, No Kwang-chol, and Pak Jong-chon.
- What
- North Korea reshuffled senior military leadership, naming Kim Song-gi as defence minister and restoring Pak Jong-chon as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission.
- When
- The appointments were reported by KCNA on Sunday.
- Where
- North Korea.
- Why
- The reshuffle coincided with Kim Jong Un honouring defence scientists for advancing the country’s combat weaponry, amid North Korea’s closer relationship with Moscow during Russia’s war with Ukraine.
- New defence minister
- Kim Song-gi
- Previous role
- Director of North Korea’s military political bureau
- Replaced official
- No Kwang-chol
- No Kwang-chol’s new role
- Senior position within the Munitions Industry Department
- Restored official
- Pak Jong-chon, appointed vice chairman of the Central Military Commission
- Source
- KCNA, North Korea’s state media outlet
- Broader context
- The reshuffle came as Kim Jong Un honoured defence scientists and North Korea moved closer to Moscow amid Russia’s war with Ukraine