North Korea Leadership Watch

Research and Analysis on the DPRK Leadership

Internal Security and IC Changes

Two major organizational changes to North Korea’s (DPRK) intelligence community and internal security agencies have either begun or in an early phase.   The Ministry of State Security has been renamed the National Intelligence Agency […]

Jun, 05

Where dog soldiers are reflected

Several public events marked the  8 February anniversary of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) foundation, including Kim Jong Un (KJU; Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visiting the defense ministry’s compound.  Anniversary events will occasionally bring out retired senior […]

Feb, 09

Kim Yong Nam Funeral Committee

  DPRK state media announced the state funeral committee for former Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA) President Kim Yong Nam (Kim Yo’ng-nam) on 4 November (Tuesday). Chairman Kim Jong Un   Members Pak Thae Song Choe […]

Nov, 03

Changes to KPA Corps Commanders (corrected and revised 3 November 2025)

revised and corrected to reflect no change in XI Corps Command (SOF) and deleted  redundant photo to show KPA Strategic Force commander Kim Jong Gil The 10 October 2025 military parade marking the 80th anniversary […]

Oct, 15

Bodyguard Personnel Changes

The commanders of the Central Committee Guard Department, Guard Department and Guard Command have changed during the last year.  The changes were publicized during the 10 October 2025 military parade commemorating the foundation of the […]

Oct, 13

Kim Yong Bok Elevated to GSD 1st Vice Chief

Col. Gen. Kim Yong Bok (Kim Yo’ng-pok) has been elevated to 1st Vice Chief of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Staff [GSD].   He was identified in that high command position when he issued […]

Aug, 25

Images of KPA Overseas Mission Return Performance

As part of a series of events held to mark the first group of military personnel returning from Russia, a performance was held at the 25 April House of Culture in Pyongyang on or around […]

Aug, 25

Navigation

Please use the navigation to move within this section.

An affiliate of 38 North