North Korea Leadership Watch

Research and Analysis on the DPRK Leadership

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

PAD-ing Out a Purge?

According to Daily NK, the documentary video about Kim Jong Un’s (KJU; Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visit to China was deemed a dud and the requisite personnel discipline has been implemented: Officials who edited documentary footage of Kim’s […]

Oct, 06

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

State Security Boss Does Moscow

Col. Gen. Ri Chang Dae (Ri Ch’ang-tae) Minister of State Security (State Security Department [SSD] Director) visited Russia to attend the 13th annual meeting of High Ranking Security Officers (held 27-29 May) sponsored by the […]

Jun, 02

RPC’s Advisorial Relationship

Ri Pyong Chol (Ri Pyo’ng-ch’o’l) has been identified by that august of titles “General Advisor.”  During Kim Jong Un’s (KJU; Kim Cho’ng-u’n) 25-26 March inspection of the Unmanned Aerial Technology Complex under the Academy of […]

Mar, 29

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