North Korea dismisses Defence Minister No Kwang Chol as part of a broader reshuffle of its military leadership, according to state media. South Korea’s Yonhap and other outlets cite KCNA reporting that No Kwang Chol is removed from his post during a “structural reorganisation” of the defence and military apparatus.
KCNA says the decision is made during a meeting on Saturday led by leader Kim Jong-un. The reports also say No Kwang Chol is not only dismissed as defence chief but is demoted within the ruling party leadership. Both outlets reporting specific details state he is reassigned as “first vice-director of the Munitions Industry Department,” indicating a move from the defence ministry to a party-linked munitions role.
Across the coverage, the core facts align: No Kwang Chol is dismissed, Kim Jong-un presides over the decision-making meeting, and No is demoted to a party position tied to munitions production. The outlets differ mainly in how they describe the reshuffle, using phrases such as “structural reorganization” or “reshuffle of military leadership,” without providing additional context for the personnel change.
