North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, has reportedly replaced his top military general with a previously rumored executed official amid escalating tension.
What Happened: Kim dismissed his chief of general staff, Pak Su Il, after seven months in the position, The Independent reported.
Pak Su’s replacement is former defense minister General Ri Yong Gil, who was appointed on Dec. 31. North Korea has not disclosed the reasons behind the military reshuffle.
Kim announced these changes during the Central Military Commission meeting, where other leading commanding officers were also transferred or appointed. He also urged the army "gird for a war" as the U.S. and South Korea gear up for a major military exercise.
General Ri Yong Gil was reported to have been executed in 2016 due to his absence from official events. However, his appointment indicates otherwise.
"Ri Yong Gil is a longstanding member of North Korea's military elite, who, before making it to the top, experienced ups and downs during his career. Seven years ago, he was even rumored to have been executed after a personnel reshuffle," Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul told the publication.
After the meeting, the North Korean supreme leader signed an order to implement “important military measures” without specifying what these measures were.
Why It Matters: Kim’s recent actions have heightened concerns over the escalating tensions in the Korean peninsula. This is especially in light of the upcoming joint military exercises between South Korea and the U.S., which North Korea perceives as preparations for an invasion.
Kim’s earlier emphasis on “more powerful strike means for carrying out the mission of war deterrence” has led to fears of possible weapons tests during the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises scheduled for later this month.
The North Korean leader also called for an escalation in weapons production, particularly the modernization of small arms for “war preparations,” which comes amid rising regional tensions. This followed his attendance at a significant military parade with Russian and Chinese officials, where North Korea flaunted its latest weaponry, including intercontinental ballistic missiles and surveillance drones.
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