NK replaces its hard-line defense minister
Source: Agencies |
May 14, 2013, Tuesday
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NORTH Korea has replaced its hard-line defense minister with a little-known army general, in what outside analysts call an attempt to install a younger figure meant to solidify leader Kim Jong Un's grip on the powerful military.
Jang Jong Nam's appointment is the latest move since young leader Kim Jong Un succeeded his late father in late 2011.
Jang replaces Kim Kyok Sik, the former commander of battalions believed responsible for attacks on South Korea in 2010 that killed 50 South Koreans.
One of the most notable changes Kim Jong Un has made was the replacement of the powerful military chief Ri Yong Ho, who was dismissed last July because of what Pyongyang called an unspecified illness.
State media previously identified Jang as head of the army's First Corps and said he pledged allegiance to the young leader and threatened South Korea in a speech last December. Jang was quoted as saying that his corps would annihilate its enemies and "turn each ravine into their death pitfall when the hour of decisive battle comes."
Jang is believed to be in 50s, while his predecessor, Kim Kyok Sik, is in his early 70s, according to Seoul's Unification Ministry.
Jang Jong Nam's appointment is the latest move since young leader Kim Jong Un succeeded his late father in late 2011.
Jang replaces Kim Kyok Sik, the former commander of battalions believed responsible for attacks on South Korea in 2010 that killed 50 South Koreans.
One of the most notable changes Kim Jong Un has made was the replacement of the powerful military chief Ri Yong Ho, who was dismissed last July because of what Pyongyang called an unspecified illness.
State media previously identified Jang as head of the army's First Corps and said he pledged allegiance to the young leader and threatened South Korea in a speech last December. Jang was quoted as saying that his corps would annihilate its enemies and "turn each ravine into their death pitfall when the hour of decisive battle comes."
Jang is believed to be in 50s, while his predecessor, Kim Kyok Sik, is in his early 70s, according to Seoul's Unification Ministry.
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