About the Author
Colin Zwirko
Colin Zwirko is a Senior Analytic Correspondent for NK News based in Seoul. Follow him on Twitter @ColinZwirko.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made his annual visit to his grandfather's mausoleum at midnight to mark the anniversary of his death, and there was a conspicuously empty space on the front row of officials next to Kim.
With top military official Ri Pyong Chol missing from the front row lineup, state media on Thursday appeared to confirm that he has indeed been removed from the Politburo Presidium, following signs of his ouster at a meeting on June 29.