SEOUL — North Korea said a recently appointed vice marshal was the nation’s new army chief, replacing a high-profile figure who had been central to the communist regime with a little-known general.
State media said late Wednesday that Hyon Yong-Chol was chief of the nation’s 1.2-million-strong military, as new leader Kim Jong-Un apparently seeks to push out the old guard and tighten his grip over the army.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) used the official title for the nation’s military chief to describe Hyon in a news report on celebrations to mark Jong-Un being named “Marshal” of the North.
“Hyon Yong-Chol, chief of the general staff of the KPA (Korean People’s Army), offered the highest glory and the warmest congratulations to the respected supreme commander,” it said.
KCNA did not say when Hyon officially became army chief, although the move was widely expected following his promotion to vice marshal two days ago.
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