Minister of Land and Environment Preservation Song Nam Pak of Korea, North

Pak is in charge of North Korea's economy.

receiving authorization and guidance from Kim.

Pak was promoted in 2003 from his job as minister of chemical industries in a move that was believed to indicate North Koreas attempt to revive its moribund economy.

Pak was appointed premier, the top post for running the domestic economy, and he assumed the post shortly after North Korea introduced its first package of economic reforms in July 2002.

Despite his lame duck status, Pak had emerged as an increasingly prominent member of Pyongyangs ruling elite.

The most outstanding thing is that Pak was replaced by a younger technocrat.

Baik Seung-Joo of the Korea Institute for Defense Analysis said Pak was apparently held responsible for economic difficulties in North Korea.

Pak was apparently dismissed because of the countrys poor economic performance, Baik said.