North Korea replaces several ministers in major cabinet overhaul

Seoul: Several North Korean ministers have been replaced in a major cabinet reshuffle in light of the country's economic crisis, officials said on Tuesday.

At least nine ministers in charge of finance, trade and commerce were sacked, Seoul's unification ministry said.

Several other major industries, including metal, electricity, railways, forestry and fisheries will also be led by new ministers.

The overhaul is seen as a step in the right direction to help the country's ailing economy.

The unification ministry said Pyongyang also made some changes to key military and ruling party posts.