North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Ousts Top General: Military Shake-Up

Kim Jong Un reshuffles North Korean military leadership amid tensions, appointing Vice Marshal Ri Yong Gil as chief of the General Staff.

In the midst of escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made significant changes to the country's military leadership. General Pak Su Il, the top general, has been removed from his position as chief of the General Staff, and Vice Marshal Ri Yong Gil has been appointed as his replacement, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

This reshuffle is part of Kim's strategy to maintain control over the military and address security concerns in the face of increasing geopolitical complexity in the region. The state media outlet stated that other "leading commanding officers" were also dismissed, transferred, or appointed as part of the reshuffle. It is not uncommon for such reshuffles to occur in North Korea's military structure, with leaders often reappearing in different roles.

Ri Yong Gil's promotion to the top position comes after he recently assumed the second-highest spot in the country's military hierarchy in December. His career has been marked by fluctuations, including rumors of his execution seven years ago following a personnel reshuffle, highlighting the dynamic nature of leadership shifts in North Korea.

Analysts suggest that Kim Jong Un's decision may be driven by a desire for accountability rather than punishment. By rotating leadership positions, Kim aims to prevent power from being concentrated below him, a tactic used to avoid challenges to his authority.

The reshuffle took place amidst a "grave political and military situation" on the Korean Peninsula, according to the KCNA. Although the report did not explicitly mention South Korea and the United States, it indicated a focus on analyzing the military activities of key players in the region.

Emphasizing the importance of preparedness, the state media highlighted the need for the North Korean army to be proactive and well-prepared for potential conflicts. North Korea's recent military rhetoric and demonstrations of its ballistic missile capabilities have heightened tensions, including threats against US reconnaissance planes and the testing of an intercontinental ballistic missile.

In response to these provocations, Kim Jong Un ordered war drills involving the country's latest weapons, and neighboring South Korea announced a nationwide civil defense drill. Japan, another Asian power, has also criticized North Korea's growing military assertiveness.

An unpublished UN report, seen by Reuters, reveals that North Korea has continued its development of nuclear weapons and production of nuclear fissile material, evading UN sanctions aimed at curbing funding for nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

The report, released on Thursday, highlights substantial cyber thefts worth USD 1.7 billion in 2022, with North Korean hackers reportedly targeting global cryptocurrency and financial exchanges. The independent sanctions monitors, who report biannually to the UN Security Council, have previously accused North Korea of using cyber attacks to finance its nuclear and missile programs.