US-sanctioned official appointed N. Korea’s nominal head of state as Kim gets new title

North Korea has replaced its long-serving nominal head of state with a close aide to leader Kim Jong-un, who was placed on a US sanctions list last year for alleged human rights abuses. Kim Yong-nam, who held the position for almost 20 years, was replaced by Choe Ryong-hae, who will take over the role of representing Pyongyang at international engagements, according to KCNA. His appointment by Kim suggests a generational shift in the North’s leadership, especially after the collapse of the Hanoi summit in February, AFP said. The reshuffle was formalized during a session of parliament, the Supreme People’s Assembly. Kim has been re-elected as chairman of the North’s State Affairs Commission. He was also given a new title, described by the state-run newspaper Rodong Shinmun as “supreme representative of all the Korean people.”