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

9th Party Congress Delegates Arrive in PY

Feb, 16

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

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

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

Premier Premiers

Newly appointed DPRK Premier Pak Thae Song (Pak T’ae-so’ng) took an oath during the 12th session of the 14th Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA], held 22 and 23 January.  Pak’s oath was a public act of […]

Jan, 27

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