North Korea has made changes to the leadership of key units responsible for protecting leader Kim Jong-un, as confirmed by South Korea’s unification ministry. The replacements include chiefs of the Guard Office of the ruling party, the Guard Department of the State Affairs Commission, and the Guard Command. These alterations were observed during a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea in October 2025, although specific details regarding the timing and reasons for the reshuffle were not disclosed.
The unification ministry highlighted the relatively swift turnover of officials overseeing the security of the North Korean leader. Additionally, Ri Pyong-chol, a prominent military figure, is believed to have been removed from his position as vice chairman of the WPK’s Military Central Commission. This change has led to a reduction in the number of members in the political bureau’s praesidium, with Ri now assumed to be a regular member.
In recent developments, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a construction site for a memorial honoring soldiers who died in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. Kim praised the soldiers’ sacrifices as a lasting foundation for Pyongyang’s strength. During the visit, Kim’s wife, Ri Sol-ju, and daughter Ju-ae were also present, with Ju-ae actively participating in the ceremonial tree planting alongside her father.
