South Korean President Lee Myung-bak called a security meeting Wednesday to discuss developments in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) as it reshuffled military leaders.

Lee ordered officials to "keep close tabs on developments" in the DPRK and maintain cooperation with other countries concerned, Lee's spokesman Park Jeong-ha said during a briefing.

Attendees at the 90-minute meeting included the intelligence chief, the foreign minister and the defense minister.

Three hours after the security meeting ended, the DPRK announced leader Kim Jong Un, who assumed power seven months ago, was awarded the title of marshal, the country's top military post.

Pyongyang's state media said earlier this week army chief Ri Yong-ho was removed from all his posts and Hyun Yong-chol was named a new vice marshal, signaling key changes to the million-man military.