Kim Chong-il Meets with Orascom Chairman
The DPRK media reported that Kim Chong-il hosted a dinner party and met with Naguib Sawiris, chairman of and chief executive officer of Orascom Telecom Holding. Orascom operates the DPRK’s … Continue reading
OGD Deputy Director Dies
Pak Chong-sun (Pak Jong Sun), the senior deputy (1st vice) director of the CC KWP Organization Guidance Department [OGD] passed away from cancer on 22 January (Saturday), age 82. Pak … Continue reading
Added Security Measures for the Leadership?
After Kim Il-song died in 1994, Kim Chong-il initiated a shake-up in the DPRK’s protective service for the leadership, the Guard Command. He dismissed dozens of Guard Command officers, expanded … Continue reading
DPRK Contends with Foot-and-Mouth
The DPRK is dealing with its first reported outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease since 2007. The DPRK banned ROK pork and beef shipments into Kaesong Industrial Complex in late December, as … Continue reading
The Center’s First Appearances in 2011
Kim Chong-il has made his first public appearances of 2011. On 12 January (Wednesday) the DPRK media reported that he toured the recently constructed Nampo Glass Bottle Factory. On 14 … Continue reading
The Youthful General’s Quiet Birthday
8 January (Saturday) was believed to be the official birthday of hereditary successor Kim Chong-un [Kim Jong Un]. Last year editorials “toast[ed] the endlessly bright future of Chosun” and workers … Continue reading
DPRK Changes Agriculture Minister
Yi Kyong-sik has replaced Kim Chang-sik as Minister of Agriculture, Kyodo News Service reported last week. Yi penned an article about the country’s desire to boost agricultural production in Rodong … Continue reading
NDC/CMC Banquet
KCNA reported on 24 December 2010 that Kim Chong-il attended a banquet co-hosted by the National Defense Commission and Central Military Commission “on the occasion of the 19thanniversary” of his … Continue reading
DPRK NYE Calls for Denuclearization, Reduction in Tension
The complete text for the Joint New Year’s Editorial can be found at Northeast Asia Matters. The DPRK media has printed and broadcast the 2011 Joint New Year’s Editorial. The … Continue reading
North Korea Leadership Watch 