North Korea Leadership Watch

Research and Analysis on the DPRK Leadership

The Lonesome Death of Pak Nam-gi (?)

The Daily NK has another account of the reported execution of Pak Nam Gi: Park, the former Director of the Planning and Financial Department of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party, was denounced as […]

Mar, 24
KJU Allusion at Kim Il Ceremony?

KJU Allusion at Kim Il Ceremony?

JoongAng reports of another possible indication of the hereditary succession of Kim Jong-un [Chong-un/Jong-eun].  In remarks at a commemorative ceremony for the centenary birth of the late DPRK Vice President and Politburo Member Kim Il, […]

Mar, 22

SPA to Meet on 9 April

It’s Kim Yong-nam’s time to shine.  In a possible nod toward succession or simply to create the semblance that a game is afoot,  the second session of the 12th Supreme People’s Assembly will meet in […]

Mar, 22
Ri Chol's Last Minute Business

Ri Chol's Last Minute Business

Despite reports that he is leaving his concurrent positions as DPRK Ambassador to Switzerland and the UN Mission in Geneva, Ri Chol still has official business to attend to.  Yonhap reports that Ambassador Ri appeared […]

Mar, 19

Yonhap on KJI China Trip & Premier Kim Yong-il meets new PRC Ambassador

Yonhap has decided to get in on the KJI China trip action.  Citing an anonymous source and consulting some VIP calendars, Yonhap reports that Kim Jong-il may visit China later this month. North Korean leader […]

Mar, 17

Rumors of Pak Nam-gi Arrest and Execution

UPDATE The Daily NK has another account of the reported execution of Pak Nam Gi: Park, the former Director of the Planning and Financial Department of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party, was denounced […]

Mar, 17

Jang's Men at United Front Department?

Ri Kwang-gun, the DPRK’s former Minister of Foreign Trade, has become a deputy director in support of Kim Yang-gon at the KWP United Front Department which coordinates the country’s relations with the ROK.  Yonhap reports […]

Mar, 16
ICG Study on NK Under UN Sanctions

ICG Study on NK Under UN Sanctions

The International Crisis Group has published a study as an Update Briefing under the title North Korea Under Tightening Sanctions.  The study suggests that the recent UN sanctions, currency redenomination and the unfolding succession campaign […]

Mar, 16

KJU Succession in Portrait and Silkscreen

The latest buzz around hereditary succession is centered on a story circulated by Rescue the North Korean People! Urgent Action Network.   According to this account, the official portrait of successor Kim Jong-un (a/k/a: Kim Jong-eun, […]

Mar, 16
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