Jan 17 2009
Updated – Questions to readers: North Korea's government
Update: NKEconWatch sent me a link outlining the known cadres in the leadership structure. It appears some of the departments are not known. This includes the Organization and Guidance Department. However, it does appear Jang Song Taek runs the Administrative Department. This is worth looking into a little further.
Original post: NKEconWatch’s link made me wonder; I always thought the Organization and Guidance Department was in the upper echelons of the North Korean government. Then I did not see the Propaganda and Agitation Department. Now according to a comment:
Jang Sung taek is never included in this list. Curtis is right: Mr. Jang’s positions are within the Korean Workers’ Party, not the government. Mr. Jang might be an SPA deputy, like his wife Kim Kyong hui. Then again, he could have lost his SPA seat when he was disappeared (or took a sabbatical) from 2004-2006.
Curtis also made an excellent point about how military officials of the Korean People’s Army are listed or not listed. The KPA’s representation in the DPRK Cabinet comes in the person of Kim Il chol, KPA General and head of the Ministry of People’s Armed Forces, as well as the form of the National Defense Commission.
That makes sense, but here is the question; are there any lists for deputies, secretaries and underlings in the Korean Worker’s Party or other areas? I do not know if such a list exists, but it would be helpful. Heck, a lot of things would be helpful when trying to understand North Korea. Like The Rolling Stones sang: “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”.
Another thing that has been bugging me for quite some time is the rumor mills regarding who is occupying the Organization and Guidance Department. The names I recall are Kim Jong Nam and Jang Song Thaek. So who holds the position officially? I cannot seem to find it, and maybe it is not supposed to be known. I will have to dig a little further to see if it is out there.
Yes, I know this is supposed to be basic knowledge for any DPRK watcher, so this may make me look pretty stupid, but hey, as I said many times, I am learning as I go along.
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