North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speaks at a meeting of the Central Military Commission/KCNA/Handout/Reuters
2023.08.10 Thu posted at 18:15 JST
Seoul, South Korea (CNN) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un replaced the military leadership at a meeting of the Central Military Commission on Wednesday, dismissing Pak Soo-il, chief of the general staff of the Korean People’s Army. . On one occasion, he called on the military to “prepare for war.”
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Oct. Lee Yong-gil was appointed as the new chief of staff.
KCNA reported that other influential commanders were also dismissed, transferred or appointed, but did not give details.
North Korea regularly refreshes its military leadership, with some cadres reviving in other positions and others disappearing from the limelight.
Lee only took up the military’s No. 2 post on Dec. 31, and his career reflects those ups and downs, experts say.
Leif Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea, said, “Ri Yong-gil has been part of North Korea’s military elite for many years, experiencing ups and downs before rising to the top. Last year, there were even rumors that he would be executed after personnel reforms.”
Jang Sung-Chang, a senior analyst at the Sejong Institute, a private think tank near Seoul, said there are various reasons behind the military personnel turnover, not necessarily punitive personnel. “Kim Jong-un frequently promotes, demotes, and dismisses executives according to their ability to perform their duties. It is possible that he dismisses them in the form of questioning responsibility, but it is not appropriate to view them as punishment.” .
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2023-08-10 09:15:00