North Korea promoted three military officials on Thursday, the day before Kim Il Sung’s birthday, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

Ri Myong Su, current chief of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) General Staff, was promoted to vice marshal title, while Kim Yong Chun and Hyun Chol Hae – both from KPA – received the marshal title.

“Ri was likely chosen for that role because of his experience and perceived loyalty to the regime,” said John Grisafi, NK News director of intelligence.

The announcement highlighted the officials’ “great contributions to thoroughly establishing the party’s monolithic commanding system in the KPA.”