North Korea Appoints Ri Son-gwon as New Foreign Minister

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] It has been reported that North Korea's new foreign minister, who oversees the country's diplomatic strategy, has been replaced from Ri Yong-ho to Ri Son-gwon, chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland (CPRK).

According to multiple sources familiar with North Korean affairs on the 19th, North Korea reportedly notified foreign embassies stationed in the country of this change last week.

Ri Son-gwon, the new foreign minister, is a military veteran who previously served as the representative for inter-Korean military working-level talks and has led the CPRK, North Korea's agency for inter-Korean affairs. He has been active in the inter-Korean field, including serving as the head of the North Korean delegation in high-level inter-Korean talks.

Ri Son-gwon is also known for controversial remarks during the September 2018 inter-Korean summit when he reportedly scolded visiting business leaders in Pyongyang by asking, "Can you even swallow cold noodles?"

After the Supreme People's Assembly in April last year, he did not appear in public, leading to rumors about his status. However, his participation in the Workers' Party plenary meeting last month, eight months later, confirmed that he remains active.