North Korea Leadership Watch

Research and Analysis on the DPRK Leadership

Pak Jong Chon goes Personal Secretariat

Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) showed the flag and waved the banner for the 25 April holiday commemorating the 94th anniversary of the foundation of the Korean People’s Revolutionary Army.   To mark the anniversary, […]

Apr, 26

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

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

New 1st Vice Chief of the General Staff

Lt. Gen. Jong Myong Do (Cho’ng Myo’ng-to) has been identified as 1st Vice Chief of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Staff in two 6 October state media reports on Kim Jong Un’s (KJU; Kim […]

Oct, 06

Kim Kyong Ok’s 85th

DPRK state media and the Party History Institute have released Volume 33 of a documentary film series on deceased core elite.  This series compiles short biographies on the careers of recently deceased North Korean officials.  […]

Oct, 06

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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