South Korea's president replaces point man on North Korea in small cabinet reshuffle

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea's president has replaced her point man on North Korea in a reshuffle that involved three other top officials.

President Park Geun-hye's office announced Tuesday that presidential adviser Hong Yong Pyo has been nominated as the country's new unification minister in charge of relations with Pyongyang.

Analysts say Hong's nomination won't likely lead to a major shift in South Korea's policy on North Korea but will still be seen as an attempt to make a new start in relations with North Korea.

The two Koreas recently floated the idea of holding high-level talks but the prospect is dimming as the countries remain at odds over preconditions.

Hong faces a parliamentary confirmation hearing but lawmakers have no right to reject Park's nomination.