A brutal beating occurred in a unit under the Supreme Guard Command, which reports directly to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. A soldier, identified only as “A,” viciously attacked his company’s political guidance officer for repeatedly blocking his admission to the Workers’ Party.
According to a source in the North Korean military who spoke to Daily NK recently, the incident took place at a Supreme Guard Command unit stationed in Kyongsong county, North Hamgyong province, in late April.
The conflict between the two men began three years earlier. In 2022, “A” was put in charge of a political choir performance organized to demonstrate loyalty to the regime on Kim Jong Il’s birthday (Feb. 16).
“A” had earned respect in his company for his dedication to rehearsing and leading these performances. However, when the newly appointed political officer bluntly ordered him to prepare the performance without acknowledging his talents, it hurt his pride.
Since choir performances on major holidays significantly impact how a company’s political officer is evaluated, “A” felt the officer should have shown him respect and properly requested his leadership, rather than simply commanding him.
Resentful of the political officer’s approach, “A” didn’t prepare for the performance with his usual diligence. As a result, the performance was deemed inadequate by the superior political department.
Following this embarrassment, the company’s political officer developed a grudge against “A” and repeatedly blocked his applications to join the ruling party. Political officers control party membership for soldiers under their authority, and this officer used his position to exact revenge.
With his military service ending this year, “A” was once again thwarted in his goal of joining the ruling party by the vindictive officer. In a fit of rage, he attacked the officer and was subsequently dishonorably discharged.
“The Supreme Guard Command consists of elite units responsible for protecting the supreme leader’s villas, so their ranks are filled with soldiers of impeccable background,” the source explained. “Being discharged dishonorably without gaining party membership is politically devastating. This effectively ends any political aspirations ‘A’ might have had.”
The political officer is receiving medical treatment after the assault left his face severely disfigured.
Despite the violence, many locals who have heard about the incident sympathize with “A.” One local commented, “Someone so petty doesn’t deserve to be a political officer.”
