North Korea Leadership Watch

Research and Analysis on the DPRK Leadership

Pak Pong Ju’s Return

Pak Pong Ju’s Return

Technocrat Pak Pong Ju, who served as DPRK Premier from 2003 to 2007, has taken the position of deputy (vice) director of the CC KWP Light Industry Department.  His presence at the 50th anniversary of […]

Aug, 23

KPA Journal Vol. 1 # 7

Joe Bermudez has published issue #7 of KPA Journal. This issue focuses on the Korean People’s Army Mechanized Infantry Battalion and the BTR-60 armored personnel carrier. KPA Journal Vol. 1 #7 [PDF] Previous Issues (the […]

Aug, 22

Coach Kim Back on the Field

Like car accidents with Kim Jong Il’s aides, sometimes a criticism session is just a criticism session.  Open Radio for North Korea reports that Coach Kim Jong Hun is running a training camp at Pyongyang’s […]

Aug, 14
Jong Un’s Stripes

Jong Un’s Stripes

Kim Jong Un was once described as being one of the darlings of the Korean People’s Army general-grade officers.  Perhaps on the road to succession, the generals’ affections for the Morningstar General has waned.  Perhaps […]

Aug, 14

Han Sang Ryol Delays Return

The DPRK has not offered any official word on the squid fishing boat and 7 crew members seized in the East Sea last Sunday (8 August), but the DPRK’s Red Cross has informed its ROK […]

Aug, 14
Party Conference a Coronation?

Party Conference a Coronation?

The 3rd Party Conference (which may begin on 6 September) is one event that will facilitate the leadership system which will eventually replace Kim Jong Il at the power center.  It is not clear to […]

Aug, 11
Office #39: Here Today, Censored Tomorrow

Office #39: Here Today, Censored Tomorrow

The PRC press seems to have treated Office #39 (Room 39; Third Floor) as the kind of front company 39 controls: here today, and gone tomorrow.  KBS reported yesterday that The People’s Daily published an […]

Aug, 11
FIFA Requesting Information on DPRK World Cup Team Chastisement

FIFA Requesting Information on DPRK World Cup Team Chastisement

FIFA’s chief has sent a letter to the DPRK requesting information and clarification about whether its World Cup team was subjected to a public criticism session when they returned to the home country.  It was […]

Aug, 11
Urminzokkiri’s You Tube Channel

Urminzokkiri’s You Tube Channel

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMmeQjMP_es]One of the DPRK’s official websites seems to have signed up for a YouTube account.  The channel “urminzokkiri” appeared on 14 July with video tributes to Kim Jong Il, denials of sinking the Cheonan, and […]

Aug, 10
June 2026
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