Monday, October 04, 2010

The players on the Kim Jong-un regime team

North Korea has several people who are expected to assist heir Jong-un when he takes over the reins.

From left, Hong Sok-hyong, Kim Yang-gon, Kang Sok-ju, Kim Yong-chol and Jang Song-taek 
Presumed economic experts are Hong Sok-hyong (74), the director of the Planning and Finance Department, and Tae Jong-su (74), the director of the General Affairs Department.

Kim Yang-gon (68) was put in charge of dealing with South Korea and Kang Sok-ju (71) with the U.S. Lt. Gen. Kim Yong-chol, the director of the Reconnaissance Bureau, will likely continue to be in charge of military operations against the South.

U Dong-chuk (68), the first deputy director of the State Security Department, the North's intelligence agency, was appointed to the Central Military Commission and as an alternate member of the Politburo. Ju Sang-song (77), who heads the Ministry of Public Security, the North's police, was appointed as a full member of the Politburo.

They will come under the direct supervision of Jang Song-taek (64), the director of the Administration Department who is Kim Jong-un's uncle.  A North Korean source speculated, "Jang, U and Ju will serve as a troika of aides to guard Kim Jong-un's regime."

Kim Kyong-hui (64), Kim Jong-un's aunt, became a full member of the Politburo.

The most prominent military officer is vice marshal Ri Yong-ho (68). Many senior members of the Army general staff, including Choe Bu-il, its deputy chief, were promoted or appointed to major posts in the Central Military Commission.

Choe Ryong-hae (60) was appointed to three senior positions at the same time -- an alternate member of the Politburo, party secretary and member of the Central Military Commission. 

[Chosun Ilbo]

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