Kim Jong‑un’s Guard Leadership Overhauled; Ri Pyong‑chol Ousted, Pak Jong‑chon Consolidates Power
Updated (2 articles)
Three Guard Unit Chiefs Replaced in Early 2026 North Korea removed the heads of the Guard Office of the ruling party, the Guard Department of the State Affairs Commission, and the Guard Command, as identified by Seoul’s unification ministry during the October 2025 parade that marked the Workers’ Party’s 80th anniversary[1][2]. The reshuffle is presented as part of a wider reorganization of Kim Jong‑un’s security apparatus. Officials noted the changes occurred amid a broader 2025 leadership turnover.
Kim Yong‑ho Remains Head of Bodyguard Department Despite the turnover of other guard chiefs, Kim Yong‑ho retained his position leading the Bodyguard Department, according to the first Yonhap report[1]. The second article does not mention his status, highlighting a reporting gap between the two releases. His continued role suggests selective stability within the security hierarchy.
Ri Pyong‑chol Removed, Pak Jong‑chon Becomes Sole Vice Chairman Ri Pyong‑chol, aged 78, appears to have been stripped of his vice‑chairmanship of the Workers’ Party Military Central Commission, with Pak Jong‑chon assuming the sole vice‑chair role[1][2]. The move coincides with an expansion of first‑vice defense minister and first‑vice chief of the KPA General Staff posts. Analysts view the consolidation as strengthening Pak’s influence over the military.
Presidium Reduced to Four Members, Consolidating Authority The party’s political bureau presidium now comprises Kim Jong‑un, Premier Pak Thae‑song, Choe Ryong‑hae, and Jo Yong‑won, after Ri Pyong‑chol’s removal shrank the body to four members[2]. This streamlined leadership aligns with the broader trend of concentrating power among trusted elites. Observers link the change to heightened control over security and defense decisions.
Rapid Turnover Signals Shift in Leader’s Security Strategy A ministry official emphasized the unusually fast succession of guard leaders, indicating a possible recalibration of loyalty checks around the supreme leader[1][2]. The turnover may reflect heightened assassination concerns or internal power realignments. Continued monitoring of guard appointments will gauge the durability of this security overhaul.
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: North Korea reshuffles top guards for Kim Jong‑un amid security review – Details the replacement of three guard chiefs, retention of Kim Yong‑ho, removal of Ri Pyong‑chol, and broader defense hierarchy changes, emphasizing security tightening amid assassination worries.
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2.
Yonhap: North Korea replaces top guard chiefs amid 2025 leadership reshuffle, Seoul says – Focuses on the three guard chief replacements detected at the October 2025 parade, Ri Pyong‑chol’s presumed removal, presidium shrinkage, and rapid turnover, highlighting the political implications of the reshuffle.
Timeline
Oct 2025 – North Korea stages a massive military parade to mark the Workers’ Party’s 80th founding anniversary; analysts spot new faces in the Guard Office, Guard Department of the State Affairs Commission, and Guard Command, indicating that the heads of these three guard units have been replaced during the event [1][2].
2025 (throughout the year) – A senior Seoul unification ministry official remarks that the turnover among officials guarding Kim Jong‑un is “notable,” suggesting a possible shift in internal security strategy and heightened concern over the leader’s protection [2].
Jan 13 2026 – North Korea replaces the chiefs of the Guard Office, the Guard Department of the State Affairs Commission, and the Guard Command, while retaining Bodyguard Department chief Kim Yong‑ho, as part of a sweeping security‑leadership reshuffle [1][2].
Jan 13 2026 – Ri Pyong‑chol, 78, is removed from his post as vice chairman of the Workers’ Party Military Central Commission; Pak Jong‑chon becomes the sole vice chairman, consolidating military authority under a single figure [1][2].
Jan 13 2026 – The Presidium of the party’s Political Bureau contracts to four members—Kim Jong‑un, Premier Pak Thae‑song, Choe Ryong‑hae, and Jo Yong‑won—following Ri Pyong‑chol’s removal, tightening the top leadership circle [2].
Jan 13 2026 – Party propaganda secretary Ri Il‑hwan assumes duties previously held by Premier Kim Tok‑hun and is seen accompanying Kim Jong‑un on major inspections, signaling an expansion of his responsibilities within the regime [1].
Jan 13 2026 – North Korea broadens its defense hierarchy by increasing the number of first vice‑defense minister and first vice‑chief of the KPA General Staff posts from one to two, reflecting a wider reorganization of military leadership [1].