A politburo meeting convened by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last month reportedly adopted “political and practical measures” to ensure completing goals for the year, but state media withheld important parts of the gathering, including the reshuffling of top military officials.

The seating arrangement for the Aug. 25 meeting already suggests there was a secret reshuffle of major officials before the meeting took place. The Central Military Commission disclosed the appointments — and likely withheld information on further measures — days after the proceedings.

This secrecy surrounding the politburo meeting suggested a certain urgency to convene and