North Korea Leadership Watch

Research and Analysis on the DPRK Leadership

KCI Conducts First Field Inspection of 2011

The DPRK media reports that Kim Cho’ng-il visited the command of KPA Unit 6556, his reported field inspection in 2011.  KCI’s first and last field inspections of 2010 were conducted at the 105th Tank Division. […]

Feb, 03

Kim Chong-il Meets with Orascom Chairman

The DPRK media reported that Kim Chong-il hosted a dinner party and met with Naguib Sawiris, chairman of and chief executive officer of Orascom Telecom Holding.  Orascom operates the DPRK’s Koryolink 3G mobile network in […]

Jan, 24

OGD Deputy Director Dies

Pak Chong-sun (Pak Jong Sun), the senior deputy (1st vice) director of the CC KWP Organization Guidance Department [OGD] passed away from cancer on 22 January (Saturday), age 82. Pak was elected an alternate member […]

Jan, 24

Added Security Measures for the Leadership?

After Kim Il-song died in 1994, Kim Chong-il initiated a shake-up in the DPRK’s protective service for the leadership, the Guard Command.  He dismissed dozens of Guard Command officers, expanded his own personal security escort […]

Jan, 20

DPRK Contends with Foot-and-Mouth

The DPRK is dealing with its first reported outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease since 2007.  The DPRK banned ROK pork and beef shipments into Kaesong Industrial Complex in late December, as well as ROK poultry in […]

Jan, 18

The Center’s First Appearances in 2011

Kim Chong-il has made his first public appearances of 2011.  On 12 January (Wednesday) the DPRK media reported that he toured the recently constructed Nampo Glass Bottle Factory.  On 14 January (Friday) KCNA reported that […]

Jan, 16

The Youthful General’s Quiet Birthday

8 January (Saturday) was believed to be the official birthday of hereditary successor Kim Chong-un [Kim Jong Un].  Last year editorials “toast[ed] the endlessly bright future of Chosun” and workers left their offices to participate […]

Jan, 10
DPRK Changes Agriculture Minister

DPRK Changes Agriculture Minister

Yi Kyong-sik has replaced Kim Chang-sik as Minister of Agriculture, Kyodo News Service reported last week.  Yi penned an article about the country’s desire to boost agricultural production in Rodong Sinmun and was identified in […]

Jan, 10

NDC/CMC Banquet

KCNA reported on 24 December 2010 that Kim Chong-il attended a banquet co-hosted by the National Defense Commission and Central Military Commission “on the occasion of the 19thanniversary” of his appointment as KPA Supreme Commander.  […]

Jan, 04
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