North Korea’s recent move to change the name of the Ministry of People’s Security to the Ministry of Social Security has its origins in a conflict between the agency and the Ministry of State Security during an investigation into a suspected spy, Daily NK has learned.
The conflict began in mid-January and involved a finance manager surnamed Han (in his late 40s) who worked at the Sollim Trading Company, which is affiliated with Bureau 39 of the Central Committee, according to a Daily NK source in the country on June 9.
According to Daily NK’s source, Han was investigated on suspicion of committing several crimes, including corruption and misusing state assets, and was detained by the MPS’s Special Security Bureau. Conflict arose between the MPS and MSS when the MPS refused to transfer the case over to the other security agency. The MSS wanted to investigate Han because he had been involved in receiving illegal funds in connection with another country.
The MSS was only granted control of the case after submitting a formal letter to the North Korean communist party’s Organization and Guidance Department. MSS officials eventually secured a confession from Han that he had committed crimes against the state by selling information to individuals in Dalian, Qinhuangdao, Shenyang and Dandong to line his own pockets.
In a report describing the details of the investigation submitted to the Organization and Guidance Department in March, the MSS noted that “time is precious when it comes to investigating and tracking cases of espionage, and we encountered significant difficulties when the MPS dragged their feet [in handing over Han]. Obstruction [of MSS investigations] is being led by both [MPS officials] in Pyongyang and in regional [MPS] offices. [This issue] is of grave importance for national security.”
LOWERED STATUS
Daily NK’s source explained that changing the name of the MPS is part of efforts to clearly delineate the authority held by each agency. The MPS is to monitor the general population for “behavior that may cause deviance among party [members] and the people.” Meanwhile, the MSS is to focus on investigations related to counterespionage and national security.
MPS officials have reportedly interpreted the name change as an order to reform the agency into an organization that focuses on maintaining social order, safety and protecting life and property, the source explained, adding, “They are saying that the emphasis now is on MPS officers to become humble public servants working for the people just like those who took up arms against the Japanese – a stance taken by Paek Hak Rim, who headed up the Ministry of Public Security [in the past].”
No one believes that the name change has increased the status of the MPS, according to the source.
“People generally believe that it was a wise decision by the party to tell MPS officials to work harder for the people, given that MPS officers always acted as if they were the military,” he told Daily NK.
According to the source, even the country’s judiciary officials believe that changing the name of the MPS to the Ministry of Social Security has lowered the authority and status of that agency.
“[The name change means] the party is imbuing the Ministry of State Security with greater authority. Officials at the [former] MPS believe they have been gutted by the Ministry of State Security,” he added.
THE GUTTING BEGINS
Following the name change, the Ministry of Social Security has begun implementing internal reforms and personnel changes. The agency’s human resources department is preparing to issue new identification cards, and badges and uniforms are also in the process of being replaced.
North Korea’s leadership has also handed down orders to reorganize personnel in the agency’s regional offices and some older station chiefs in districts, villages and local organizations will be forced to take early retirement.
“These individuals tend to be older, and the sudden order by the party to replace staff with younger counterparts has caused chaos and concern among the chiefs and their families,” the source stated.
To soften the blow, however, North Korean authorities have reportedly ordered that station chiefs will receive the same level of benefits they received while employed for three months after their retirement.
Daily NK’s source also added that the head of the MPS, Kim Jong Ho, will continue to serve as head of the new Ministry of Social Security.
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