South Korea experienced a sudden top-level leadership reshuffle this week, beginning with the resignation of Kim Sung-han as national security advisor on Wednesday, a role that substantially shapes the country's North Korea and foreign policy.

The surprise move is unlikely to affect a major shift in Seoul's general policy direction concerning North Korea and its alliance with U.S. Cho Tae-yong, the ROK ambassador to the U.S. and Kim's successor, shares similar foreign policy views with Kim, informed analysts in Seoul told NK News.