North Korea’s Hwang Pyong So has been
confirmed to a new post within the Chosun Workers’ Party political bureau,
adding to his already influential position within the military.
In a report by Pyongyang’s state-run Chosun Central Television [KCTV] on Wednesday, Hwang was referred to as a standing member of
the Political Bureau Standing Committee of the Workers’ Party [WPK] in addition
to his post as the Director of the General Political Bureau of the Chosun People’s Army [KPA].
The recent appointment is likely to have
been made in February, when leader Kim Jong Eun held an extended meeting within
the Party’s political bureau to discuss ‘personnel issues.’
A standing member at the Party’s political
bureau is a key post held previously only by three people: leader Kim Jong Eun,
President of the Supreme People’s Assembly Presidium, Kim Yong Nam, and Party
Secretary Choe Ryong Hae.
The politburo presidium is known as the
office that organizes and oversees overall state affairs, giving Hwang greater
power within the leadership. Many have speculated this puts him in a position
of stronger influence, tantamount to the second in command. The belief is by
doing so, Kim Jong Eun is trying to counterbalance the growing influence of Choe
Ryong Hae and create a greater balance in power.
“Standing committee members do not do
anything in particular, but in the sense that it symbolizes the organ of
highest power, it adds to his status,” Lee Su Seok, senior researcher at Institute
for National Security Strategy told Daily NK. “If anything, it confirms that
Hwang Pyong So is one of the key figures and closest aides who will drive the
era of Kim Jong Eun,” Lee added.
Cheong Seong Chang, senior researcher at
Sejong Institute said, “It shows that Hwang has been smart after being
appointed as the director of the general political bureau and not flaunting his
power.” Cheong added, “It also means Kim Jong Eun has a lot of faith in him, and
that he has now made it into the tightest circle of his aides.”
However, some believe that under a Suryeong
dictatorship with no room for a second-in-command figure, Kim may have
simply tapped Hwang to a key post, ordering him to focus his loyalty solely on
solidifying the leadership. In this case, Hwang’s role would be rather limited.
“Hwang Pyong So has seen how people who
were not loyal to Kim Jong Eun have fallen in the ranks, and he will likely display
his loyalty to Kim while staying away from making the same mistake,” Cheong
speculated. “Hwang will still manage the military and play the role of ensuring
it stays within the boundaries of the Party’s control.”
*The contents of this article were
broadcast to the North Korean people via Unification Media Group.
