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

Capital Defense Command

During the February 2026 parade marking the end of the 9th Party Congress and at a light infantry/tank/UAV exercise on March, DPRK state media referred to a Capital Defense Corps [CDC].  This is most likely […]

Mar, 31

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

KJU Inspects Storm Damage in Kangwo’n Province (revised)

Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited Anbyo’n County, Kangwo’n to inspect storm damage from the Khanun typhoon.  Also in attendance were DPRK Premier Kim Tok Hun (Kim Tok-hun), Workers’ Party of Korea Secretary for Organizational […]

Aug, 15

KJU Attends Disaster Response Meeting

Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n; KJU) chaired a meeting on the DPRK’s disaster prevention programs at the 25 April House of Culture on 4 and 5 September (Sunday and Monday).  The meeting was held for […]

Sep, 07

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