The unexpected third meeting of the 12th Supreme People’s Assembly was held today, the 7th, just two months after the second meeting on April 9th.

In the meeting, Jang Sung Taek was designated Vice-chairman of the National Defense Commission at Kim Jong Il’s suggestion, according to the Chosun Central News Agency (KCNA).

Additionally, the Premier of the Cabinet was replaced, with Choi Young Rim taking over from Kim Young Il. Choi Young Rim was formerly Chief Secretary of the Party in Pyongyang, and is a member of the Politburo and a delegate to the 12th Supreme People’s Assembly.

There was also a far-reaching Cabinet reshuffle: three vice-premiers were relieved of their duties, six vice-premiers were appointed, and three further persons took up ministerial positions.

Those who have been relieved of their duties are vice-premiers Kwak Beom Ki, Oh Su Yong and Park Myung Sun. Kang Neung Su, Kim Rak Hee, Lee Tae Nam and Cheon Ha Cheol were appointed vice-premiers. Additionally, Cho Byung Su became Machine Industry Minister and a vice-premier simultaneously, and Han Kwang Bok became Electronics Minister and a vice-premier.

Ahn Cheong Su was appointed Minister of Light Industry, Cho Young Cheol became Minister of Foodstuffs and Consumer Goods Industry, and Park Myung Cheol became Minister of Physical Culture and Sports.

Kim Jong Il, who was present at the meeting, has participated biennially in the SPA since 2003. He did not appear at the second meeting of the SPA earlier this year.