New Artillery Commander

KPA Artillery Command chief Maj. Gen. Ryu Chang Son talks with WPK Secretary for Military Affairs MAR Pak Jong Chon during a mortar firing contest on 11 August 2025 (Photo: KCNA-Yonhap).

Ryu Chang Son (Yu Chang-son) was appointed head of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] Artillery Command. Ryu is a one-star Major General (sojang) and was longtime rector and dean of the O Jin U Military Academy.   Ryu was promoted from senior colonel upon his appointment to the Artillery Command.

Ryu Chang Son accompanies KJU through a tour of the revolutionary history exhibition at O Chin-u Military Academy during September 2024 (Photo: KCNA)

Ryu’s appointment occurred during the 28 May 2025 meeting of the Central Military Commission [CMC].  The CMC tendered at least ten personnel appointments during the meeting, but did not disclose what elites were appointed, demoted and/or reassigned.  Maj. Gen. Ryu’s new assignment was observed on his breastplate during a battalion-level artillery competition attended by the KPA High Command on 11 August (Monday).

Ryu Chang Son (annotated) with KJU and members of the KPA high command during an inspection of O Chin-u Military Academy during September 2024 (Photo: KCNA).