A Daily NK source recently provided insight into two new major figures in North Korea’s leadership.<\/p>\n
North Korea recently appointed Rim Gwang-il as the head of the Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB) which oversees espionage work in South Korea and other countries, while Gwak Chang-sik was appointed as the head of the Supreme Guard Command (SGC), which is responsible for protecting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cRim Gwang-il is an expert in tactical operations with a stellar reputation, while Gwak Chang-sil is known as a deep thinker of few words,\u201d a source in North Korea told Daily NK on June 5.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n THE RGB\u2019S NEW BOSS\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n According to the source, the immediate reason behind the appointment of the new RGB head was a failed operation last year. Seven agents were dispatched to Russia in July last year and later traveled to Shanghai, where several were killed in a raid on a local jewelry shop.<\/span><\/p>\n Rim\u2019s predecessor Jang Gil-song was judged to be incompetent when it came to the management of military units and had a poor track record in carrying out daily operations. Above all, the computers and modems he had purchased from abroad with party funds after his promotion had not lived up their expensive price tag, the source said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Rim Gwang-il, Jang\u2019s replacement, is known for his outstanding abilities and character.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cRim is regarded as highly competent in the field of tactical operations. He is said to be able to take in topographic maps, nautical charts and aerial maps at a single glance,\u201d the source said. \u201cHe is known for his magnanimous personality, making firm and accurate decisions and a tenacious temperament.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Rim was in the spotlight in August 2015 for playing a leading role in the explosion of a PMD series mine in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Accordingly, observers believe his appointment as the new RGB chief signals a high likelihood North Korea will ramp up its espionage operations against South Korea.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201c<\/span>Rim has a plan to accomplish the Party\u2019s goals through operations <\/span>that involve infiltrating South Korea and other countries, as well as dispatching technical experts and armed forces,\u201d the source said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHe is interested in measures such as training more computer professionals and dispatching them in disguise [as technicians], improving the caliber of liaison office agents, seeking out new agents to work against South Korea and other countries, planning out tactical operations, and reequipping [his offices and agents with new] equipment and technology.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n