Seoul: North Korea has replaced its top military officials in charge of guarding leader Kim Jong-un, the unification ministry revealed on Tuesday, with Seoul's spy agency assessing the North as raising the level of security for Kim due to assassination concerns.
According to Yonhap News Agency, North Korea has changed the chiefs of three major units responsible for the security of its leader. These include the Guard Office of the ruling party, the Guard Department of the State Affairs Commission, and the Bodyguard Command. This information was part of the ministry's analysis of significant reshuffles within North Korean officials in 2025.
While the ministry did not disclose the exact timing or reasons for these replacements, it noted the presence of new chiefs during a military parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) in October 2025. Song Jun-sol now leads the Guard Office, responsible for protecting Kim and his family, while Ro Kyong-chol heads the Guard Department tasked with Kim's security during public events. Ra Chol-jin was appointed as the chief of the Bodyguard Command of the Korean People's Army (KPA), overseeing facility security, such as Kim's residence.
Kim Yong-ho, however, continues his role as the chief of the Bodyguard Department, known as North Korea's secret service. "It is noticeable that North Korea has replaced officials in charge of guarding the 'supreme leader' in a relatively short period of time," a ministry official commented.
In October 2024, the National Intelligence Service, Seoul's spy agency, informed lawmakers about North Korea's increased security measures for Kim, considering potential assassination attempts.
Additionally, Ri Pyong-chol, a senior North Korean military official, is believed to have been removed from his position as vice chairman of the WPK's Military Central Commission, possibly due to his age of 78. This reshuffle has reduced the number of members of the political bureau's presidium from five to four, with Ri's presumed demotion. Pak Jong-chon is now the sole vice chairman of the Central Military Commission.
Ri Il-hwan, a party secretary responsible for propaganda and agitation, is expected to take on some responsibilities previously held by former Premier Kim Tok-hun, who managed economic affairs. Ri Il-hwan was seen accompanying leader Kim on significant inspections, including opening ceremonies of regional factories.
Furthermore, North Korea appears to have increased the number of posts for first vice defense minister and first vice-chief of the KPA General Staff from one to two.