Sources: North Korea Replaces Defense Minister North Korea's defense minister has been replaced by a hard-line military commander believed responsible for two deadly attacks on South Korea in 2010. Diplomats in Pyongyang told the Associated Press on Thursday that they were informed Kim Jong Gak had been replaced as armed forces minister. South Korean officials in Seoul said he was succeeded by Kim Kyok Sik, commander of the battalions linked to attacks that killed 50 South Koreans. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity, citing government protocol. He is North Korea's third defense minister since Kim Jong Un took power following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, in December. His predecessor had been made a vice marshal in February and appointed defense minister just seven months ago.