New NK Diploreps in Beijing

Outgoing DPRK Ambassador to PRC Choe Jin-su.

JoongAng Daily reports that the DPRK is replacing its ambassador and deputy chief of mission in Beijing imminently.  Cho Jin-su, who has been the NK ambassador in China for ten years will be replaced by Choe Pyong-ryol.  Kim Song-gi will be replaced by MOFA Deputy Director-General for Chinese Affairs Pak Myong-ho.  JoongAng reports:

Sources said it is highly unusual for North Korea to change both its ambassador and its deputy chief of mission to China, the closest North Korea has to an ally. The two have had diplomatic ties for 60 years.

“I heard the agreement for the new ambassador reached the Chinese Foreign Ministry earlier this month,” one of the sources said. “We could see the new head of mission by late this month or early next month.”

Another source noted that Kim, who had been a deputy nuclear negotiator at the six-party talks, will return to Pyongyang as vice foreign minister. It’s not clear where Choe Jin-soo is headed after his Beijing post.

This personnel shuffle may be a reflection of the recent transfer of MOFA Vice Minister Kim Yong-il to Department Director of the KWP International Department.