Pyongyang: Ri Son-gwon, North Korea's former lead on inter-Korean relations, has taken on a new role as the chairman of a nominal political party in the country.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Ri was identified as the chairman of the Korean Social Democratic Party's central committee in a recent report by the Korean Central Broadcasting Station. The report highlighted key officials participating in the country's parliamentary elections. The Korean Social Democratic Party, one of the two recognized political parties in North Korea, serves to project the appearance of a multiparty system but is closely allied with the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.

Before assuming his current position, Ri led the ruling party's Bureau 10, a department dealing with issues concerning overseas North Koreans. This role followed the disbandment of the United Front Department, which was previously responsible for managing inter-Korean affairs.

The Korean Social Democratic Party has historically engaged in inter-Korean relations, facilitating exchanges between North Korean and South Korean political parties or religious groups.