North Korean Ambassador Replaced After ROK Establishes Diplomatic Ties to Cuba

Hopefully this outgoing North Korean ambassador to Cuba doesn’t have a date with an anti-aircraft gun waiting for him when he returns to Pyongyang:

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel (R) meets with North Korean Ambassador to Cuba Ma Chol-su at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana on March 16, 2024, in this photo captured from the president’s X.

North Korea’s ambassador to Cuba has paid a visit to Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel before concluding his mission, the Cuban presidential office said, as Pyongyang is preparing to replace the envoy after Cuba’s surprising establishment of diplomatic ties with South Korea.

Diaz-Canel shared a brief video of Friday’s meeting with Ambassador Ma Chol-su on X, the former Twitter platform, saying he reassured the ambassador that Pyongyang could always rely on Cuba’s support, solidarity and friendship in all aspects. 

The president, who visited North Korea twice, also emphasized the brotherhood between the countries.

Ma is reported to have received the Friendship Medal from the president that day in recognition of his diplomatic service in Cuba for the past five years.

Yonhap

You can read more at the link, but the timing of the change is making it look like he is being blamed for Cuba establishing formal diplomatic relations with South Korea.