The December plenum of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party (WPK) saw a major reshuffle in its leadership, and it now appears certain that O Su Yong was removed from his position as party vice-chair and department director. He now appears to be a minister or, though less likely, vice-premier.

This could hint at further change in North Korea’s economic policy, which has been under increasing pressure since the country’s overseas workers were repatriated late last year in accordance with UNSC Resolution 2397.

O Su Yong has been a pillar of the DPRK leadership — and its economic policy —for