North Korea Leadership Watch

Research and Analysis on the DPRK Leadership

KJU Visits Ku’msusan with his family

Kim Jong Un (KJU; Kim Cho’ng-u’n), joined by his wife Ri Sol Ju (Ri So’l-chu) and daughter Kim Ju Ae (Kim Chu-a’e), visited Ku’msusan Palace of the Sun (KPS) on 1 January 2026 (Thursday) to […]

Jan, 01

3 Y3ars of the Respected Daughter

It has been just over three years since Kim Ju Ae, daughter of supreme leader Kim Jong Un (KJU), emerged into North Korean public life.   Her first public appearance at a ballistic missile test […]

Dec, 20

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

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

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

DID Cracks Down on Cadres

The 5 February edition of Rodong Sinmun has two editorials encouraging upright behavior and decrying corruption and abuse of power among North Korean officials and cadres.  The 30th meeting of the Workers’ Party of Korea […]

Feb, 10

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