A new 'second-in-command' signals a change of leadership in Kim's regime in Pyongyang
Seoul (AsiaNews) - North Korea has signalled a key leadership change with the announcement that Kim Jong-un's second in command has been replaced. In a terse press release on May Day, the North's official KCNA news agency identified Hwang Pyong-so (pictured standing left) as the director of the Korean People's Army (KPA) General Political Bureau, not Choe Ryong-hae, who previously held the position.
Ever since Kim Il-sung founded the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the aforementioned post has been the most important position after that of supreme leader.
The leadership change comes amid growing concerns in South Korea's intelligence community that Pyongyang might be preparing a fourth nuclear test.
The first three were met with hostility with the international community reducing its humanitarian aid to the Communist regime and tightening its sanctions. Now, a fourth test might provoke a reaction even in North Korea's only friend, China.
Hwang's appointment comes two days after his promotion to vice marshal, which was announced on 28 April, a rank he shares with Choe and just four others.
It is not immediately clear what has become of Choe. He was believed to be moving up after he replaced Kim Jong-un's uncle and mentor Jang Song-taek, who was executed.
Choe is still a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo and deputy president of the Central Commission for Defence and the Commission of National Defence.
Some sources thought he had been arrested earlier this year because he was no longer present at public functions. However, in March he reappeared next to the supreme leader only to disappear again.
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12/02/2016 15:14
17/03/2010
