South Korean Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl Jae was unexpectedly replaced on Tuesday by President Park Geun-hye’s special advisor on North Korea Hong Yong-pyo.

Hong is still technically a nominee for the position, and there will be a hearing on Hong’s appointment after the Korean Lunar New Year holiday this week, but the president can overrule any decisions made during the meeting.

The Ministry of Unification declined to comment on the reshuffle.

The sudden nature of the change came as surprise to many observers in South Korean politics. Hong is currently working in the Presidential Secretary Office and appointments to ministerial