April was a month full of position changes and further political consolidation by Kim Jong Un and his confidants in North Korea. The first session of the 13th Supreme People’s Assembly resulted in a number of official changes, and a few others happened at other times in the month. Most significant among these are changes in the National Defense Commission, the change of foreign minister and the rise of Hwang Pyong So.

Kim made 19 official appearances in April, his most of this year so far and on par with the monthly average in 2013. Once again, most of Kim’s appearances – 63 percent – were military-related and 26 percent were political in nature. Kim’s attendance of military events in early 2014 was the highest since early 2013. Both periods saw heightened tensions between North and South Korea, as well as the United States, but this year all sides were somewhat more reserved in their rhetoric and actions[rj1] .

SHUFFLING POSITIONS

The North Korean regime made at least 27 position changes in the government and the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea this month. Most of the changes were to cabinet postings and formally declared at the first session of the 13th SPA on April 9, likely after being decided at the earlier meeting of the political bureau of the party central committee. Among the changes in the cabinet were the replacement of Pak Ui Chon as foreign minister by Ri Su Yong and reduction of vice premiers from nine to four. But the number of vice premiers later increased to five with the appointment of Kim Tok Hun, an SPA delegate and senior official of the Jagang Provincial People’s Committee.

These changes come as Kim and his associates continue to consolidate power, removing older figures and promoting those closer to the new leadership. The first session of a new SPA provided a perfect opportunity for the senior leadership to make a number of official changes without conducting sudden purges. Many figures are gradually being eased out of power, retaining membership in the SPA and the party even while losing their most influential positions. This allows Kim and his allies to enact a smoother transition instead of risking further surprise purges.

HWANG RISES TO TOP

One official in particular has garnered much attention recently: Hwang Pyong So. Already a high-ranking member of the WPK Organization and Guidance Department (OGD) and close associate of Kim, Hwang rose even higher in importance this month. He was promoted in military rank from colonel general to full general and then to vice marshal, became a member of the party Central Military Commission, and then replaced Choe Ryong Hae as director of the KPA General Political Bureau. It’s also probable that Hwang will be added to the National Defense Commission soon.

Hwang appears to be the new de facto second-in-command in the regime, taking over for Choe. Having many years of experience in the OGD, Hwang likely has expert knowledge of party workings and personnel, which will be critical for effectively managing the regime and ongoing transitions. He is well-suited to his new post since the KPA General Political Bureau is essentially the party organ of the army, used to carry out party control over the military.

Choe has not made an appearance since April 15. He may be in poor health, thus explaining his being relieved of some duties, but has probably not been purged. Choe has had previous unexplained absences and was recently seen sporting a limp, both suggesting health issues. He was just made a vice chairman of the NDC this month, a change likely intended to keep Choe in a position of influence, though one less demanding with fewer day-to-day duties. It’s not uncommon for older officials in the regime to be given such postings.

Kim at shelling drill of long-range artillery unit, KCNA April 27

MILITARY EMPHASIS CONTINUES

Kim continued the trend of devoting the majority of his public appearances this month to military affairs. This took place alongside heightened tensions on the peninsula following a North Korean missile test and with a fourth nuclear test appearing increasingly likely. In times such as these, Pyongyang seeks to showcase the capability and achievements of the KPA as well as to remind the people of the military’s necessity. This also helps to ensure that Kim and other senior leaders have the military’s full support, by showing that they are committed to maintaining the military’s prominent place in North Korean society.

Early in the month Kim addressed commanders of the KPA’s combined units at Samjiyon – the historic site where Kim Il Sung began his guerilla movement – and watched men’s and women’s football matches between navy and air force teams. Later, there were two air force events plus a Moranbong Band performance with an air force theme. Kim also oversaw three artillery-firing drills in late April. Two of the units Kim visited are equipped with long-range artillery. Following the drills attended by Kim, North Korea conducted a firing exercise near the disputed maritime boundary in the West Sea. At the end of the month, the party Central Military Commission held an enlarged meeting at which they discussed “an organizational matter” later revealed to be the promotion of Hwang to vice marshal. Finally, the military expanded educational capacity with the opening of Kim Jong Il Military Postgraduate Institute at Kim Il Sung Military University.

OTHER EVENTS & APPEARANCES

Aside from the military functions and political meetings, Kim made a few other public appearances in April, including the obligatory visit to Kumsusan Palace of the Sun for his grandfather’s birthday, a visit to Kim Jong Suk Pyongyang Textile Mill – named for his grandmother – and a visit to the January 8 Fishery Station – named for his own birth date – shortly before its opening. The latter two events are part of an effort to continue state-directed economic development. Premier Pak Pong Ju made some economy-focused appearances himself, surveying the construction of power stations on Chongchon River and visiting the Sunchon Cement Complex and Munsu Water Park.

Two officials made their first public appearances with the Supreme Leader this month: Pak Yong Sik (박영식) and No Kwang Chol (노광철). No first appeared with Kim at a military football match and may be a KPA officer. Pak appeared with Kim at Kumsusan on April 15 and at Kim Jong Suk Pyongyang Textile Mill. Both officials are currently members of the SPA and Pak may be a member of the OGD. Kim’s wife and sister both made a single appearance at a Moranbong Band performance.

FULL ELITE BREAKDOWN FOR APRIL

Name	Position	#	%
Kim Jong Un	Supreme Leader	19	100%
Jang Jong Nam	Minister of the People’s Armed Forces	13	68%
Hwang Pyong So	Director, KPA General Political Bureau; First Deputy Director, WPK Organization & Guidance Department	10	53%
So Hong Chan	First Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces	10	53%
Ri Yong Gil	Chief of the General Staff of the KPA	9	47%
Han Kwang Sang	Director, WPK Finance and Accounting Department	6	32%
Ri Pyong Chol	Commander, KPA Air and Anti-Air Force	6	32%
Choe Ryong Hae	Secretary, WPK Central Committee; Vice Chairman, NDC	5	26%
Jang Tong Un	Unknown	5	26%
Ma Won Chun	Deputy Director, Party Department (with Capital Construction Portfolio)	4	21%
Pyon In Son	Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces	4	21%
Ri Jae Il	First Deputy Director, WPK Department (probably Propaganda & Agitation)	4	21%
Jo Kyong Chol	Commander, KPA Military Security Command	3	16%
Kim Myong Sik	Commander, KPA Navy	3	16%
Kim Su Gil	Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces	3	16%
Kim Yong Chol	Director, Reconnaissance General Bureau	3	16%
Kim Pyong Ho	Deputy Director, WPK Propaganda and Agitation Department	2	11%
Kim Sung Yon	Unknown	2	11%
Kim Tong Hwa	Unknown	2	11%
Kim Won Hong	Minister of State Security	2	11%
Pak Thae Song	Deputy Director, WPK Organization and Guidance Department	2	11%
Pak Thae Su	Unknown	2	11%
Pak Yong Sik	Possible member, WPK Organization and Guidance Department	2	11%
Yun Jong Rin	Commander, Guard Command	2	11%
Yun Tong Hyon	Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces: Senior Deputy Director, WPK Organization & Guidance Department	2	11%
Choe Pu Il	Minister of People’s Security; Commander of Korean People’s Internal Security Forces	1	5%
Choe Thae Bok	Chairman, SPA; Secretary of the WPK Central Committee (Education)	1	5%
Choe Yong Rim	Honorary Vice President, SPA Presidium	1	5%
Kang Sok Ju	Secretary of the WPK Central Committee	1	5%
Kim Chol Man	Member, WPK Central Committee	1	5%
Kim Ki Nam	Secretary and Director, WPK Propaganda & Agitation Department	1	5%
Kim Yo Jong	Member, WPK Central Committee	1	5%
Kim Yong Nam	President, SPA Presidium	1	5%
No Kwang Chol	Unknown	1	5%
O Kum Chol	Vice Chief, KPA General Staff	1	5%
Pak Jong Chon	Commander, KPA Artillery Command	1	5%
Pak Pong Ju	Premier of the Cabinet	1	5%
Pak To Chun	Secretary, WPK Central Committee (Military Industry)	1	5%
Ri Sol Ju	Wife	1	5%
Ri Ul Sol	Marshal of the KPA	1	5%
Ri Yong Mu	Vice Chairman, National Defense Commission	1	5%
Yang Hyong Sop	Vice President, SPA Presidium	1	5%

Main Photo:Kim and other officials at a Moranbong Band performance, KCNA

April was a month full of position changes and further political consolidation by Kim Jong Un and his confidants in North Korea. The first session of the 13th Supreme People’s Assembly resulted in a number of official changes, and a few others happened at other times in the month. Most significant among these are changes