North Korea Leadership Watch

Research and Analysis on the DPRK Leadership

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

KJU Visits Ku’msusan with his family

Kim Jong Un (KJU; Kim Cho’ng-u’n), joined by his wife Ri Sol Ju (Ri So’l-chu) and daughter Kim Ju Ae (Kim Chu-a’e), visited Ku’msusan Palace of the Sun (KPS) on 1 January 2026 (Thursday) to […]

Jan, 01

3 Y3ars of the Respected Daughter

It has been just over three years since Kim Ju Ae, daughter of supreme leader Kim Jong Un (KJU), emerged into North Korean public life.   Her first public appearance at a ballistic missile test […]

Dec, 20

Ri Il Hwan, where you at?

Workers’ Party of Korea [WPK] Secretary Ri Il Hwan (Ri Il-hwan) has not appeared at public events or state media in about four weeks.  This is not necessarily a lengthy absence for a North Korean […]

Feb, 12

KJU Observes Hypersonic IRBM Test

  Kim Jong Un (KJU; Kim Cho’ng-u’n) gave himself an early birthday present (8 January) and observed the test firing of an intermediate-range [IRBM] hypersonic missile during the early afternoon [KST] of 6 January.  Also […]

Jan, 06

Kim Yo Jong’s Kids are Alright

The North Korean leadership gathered at Kim Il Sung Stadium in central Pyongyang for its fabulous New Year’s Eve concert.  Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-un) presided over the event with his Respected Daughter, Kim Ju […]

Jan, 01

KJU Hosts Dinner for Navy Day (updated 30 August)

Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n; KJU) hosted a banquet with Korean People’s Army [KPA] Navy command and political command staff on 27 August (Saturday).  The event appeared to have taken place on the premises of […]

Aug, 29

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