Report suggests Hwang Pyong So may have assumed new No. 2 status
Choe Ryong Hae may be relinquishing some responsibility due to poor health
April 30th, 2014
Kosuke Takahashi
Speculation has emerged among Japanese and South Korean media that Hwang Pyong So, a first vice director in the Workers’ Party of Korea, may have assumed the post of director of the Korean People’s Army General Political Bureau, rising to the nation’s de facto No. 2 status, replacing Choe Ryong Hae.
The speculation rapidly spread after the Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Kim Jong Un’s visit to the Kim Jong Suk Pyongyang Textile Mill, Wednesday. During the visit he ordered “the director of the General Political Bureau of the KPA” to attend a grand banquet for workers in celebration of May Day at the newly built workers’ hostel. Choe wasn’t with Kim during the visit, but Hwang was. Besides Hwang, Kim was accompanied on the trip by Ma Won Chun, deputy director of the WKP Finance and Accounting Department, and Pak Yong Sik.
“It’s possible that Hwang has taken over this position from Choe, along with his other promotions” said NK News leadership analyst John Grisafi. “Hwang is likely at least equal to Choe in influence now and Choe may be giving up some power due to his health.”
KCNA announced Monday that Hwang was promoted to vice marshal in the KPA, a rank shared with Choe and four others. State media said this decision was made on Saturday by the party’s Central Military Commission and the National Defense Commission.
Choe has been considered to be Kim’s closest aide and assumed the post of vice chairman of the National Defense Commission at the Supreme People’s Assembly – North Korea’s parliament – on April 9. Choe is widely viewed not to have fallen from power but was replaced by Hwang due to health problems.
Little is known about Pak Yong Sik, who also appeared with Kim at the textile mill. Professor Jong Chang-hyun of Kookmin University in South Korea suggested that Pak may be in charge of the WPK Organization and Guidance Department (OGD).
“The current holder of the top position in the OGD is unknown,” said John Grisafi. “The last known director was Kim Jong Il and Hwang appears to be the current first deputy director.” He continued, “It’s possible Pak holds this position, but it’s unconfirmed. He’s already making significant appearances and was even listed ahead of Ma Won Chun.”
Main Photo: Kim Jong Un at textile mill with Hwang Pyong So (far right), KCNA
