November 29, 2023
Analysis

Two high-ranking party members promoted

Ruling party begins expected position shuffling following SPA elections

North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party of Korea has recently promoted two high-ranking officials. Hwang Pyong So and Ri Jae Il were both listed as First Deputy Director (or First Vice Director) of WPK departments in a March 21 KCNA report on Kim Jong Un visiting two hospitals.

While Ri has historically been more associated with Kim Jong Il’s era, having risen to the upper ranks of the party in the ’90s, he appears to be trusted by Kim Jong Un. Hwang, on the other hand, is a part of the “third-generation leadership” associated with the younger Kim.