North Korea Leadership Watch

Research and Analysis on the DPRK Leadership

KPA SOF Restructuring

  The Korean People’s Army (KPA) is restructuring its special operations forces (SOF) and adjusted some training oversight to the KPA General Staff Department (GSD) Operations Bureau.  On or around 28 March (Saturday), Kim Jong […]

Mar, 28

9th Party Congress Delegates Arrive in PY

Feb, 16

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

Ain’t No Congress Like a Party Congress

State media reported on January 24, 2026 that the first two phases of electing delegates to the 9th Party Congress took place during January.   The first phase involved meetings of basic party organizations like […]

Jan, 24

The Kids Stay in the Picture

Despite prior hiccups and commotion about the families of North Korean elites attending public events, the spouses, children and grandchildren of top DPRK officials came out to the New Year’s performance on 31 December.  In […]

Jan, 02

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

New Artillery Commander

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 […]

Aug, 12

Navigation

Please use the navigation to move within this section.

An affiliate of 38 North