North Korea has appointed the next leader of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, also known as Chongryon, multiple sources told NK News.

Pak Ku Ho, currently first vice-chairman of the Central Standing Committee of the pro-Pyongyang organization, will replace long-time chairman Ho Jong Man. Ho, 85, has served as head of the group since 2012 but is suffering from diabetes, according to a South Korean diplomat.

“Ho is no doubt in bad health and has poor eyesight due to his diabetes,” they said.

Ho actually most trusts Pae Ik Ju, one of the five vice-chairpersons of