Feb 12 2009
New generals named and other news
Update: See North Korean Economy Watch
Before I begin the entry, let me apologize for the lack of updates. However, this site may not be missed because the other Korea-centric blogs are keeping up with the news just fine. With that said…
It appears the DPRK has shuffled the NDC, and while little if nothing is known about why that is, there is plenty of speculation floating around as usual:
A local expert in inter-Korean affairs said Thursday North Korea’s military shakeup a day earlier was seemingly aimed at preparing for the post-Kim Jong-il era.
Pyongyang announced that Vice Marshal of the Korean People’s Army Kim Yong-chun, 73, was appointed as minister of the People’s Armed Forces of the National Defense Commission, equivalent to defense minister. The public announcement of a military reshuffle is considered unusual.
Why is it unusual is beyond me, and the suggestion it is for a post Kim era remains to be seen. After all, I have not seen one shred of evidence about a successor. Even if a successor is named, it will most likely be a figurehead. Again, this is speculation on my part, but I do know it takes time to groom a new leader to the North Korean public at large.
With the continued speculation regarding the Dear Leader’s health, the state of the economy, the current tensions and the apparent attention seeking towards Washington, it could mean anything. It goes on:
“Ahead of North Korea’s parliamentary elections slated for March 8, the new title may hint at restructuring organizations or a further reshuffle in political organizations,” Cheong said.
As opaque as the inner workings of the regime are concerned, all one can do is speculate as this article clearly does. Until something official comes down the line, I will wait. Even then, it will raise more questions than answers as usual. I mean, little is known about the current leader and the inner circle of Kim’s cabinet.
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Update: Please see ROK Drop and One Free Korea on this.
Chris Hill now envoy to Iraq, it appers the Obama administration may name Stephen Bosworth as the North Korean envoy. I am surprised it took this long for a name to come about, but at the same time am not surprised. With all the other issues eclipsing the North Korea issue, I guess this is not exactly a top priority.
The Associated Press and Reuters are reporting tonight that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wants to name the envoy before she leaves for her first major trip abroad, a tour of Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, and China.
The AP says that Clinton could make the announcement on Friday during a speech in New York outlining the administration’s views on Asia.
I am interested to see how the new administration will handle the issues because I have not seen much about it. I will guess not much will change, because North Korea does not change.
In all, it has been a slow news cycle in North Korea.
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