North Korean House of Cards

involving the Politburo, Secretariat, and the CMC. Documents Office
15 is also responsible for translating the Supreme Leader’s instructions
into foreign languages and ensuring the classification of all messages
originating from the Personal Secretariat. Under Kim Jong-il, this office
was directed by Ri Pyong-chan. Ho Myong-ok, sister of former foreign
minister Huh Dam, was head of the Consolidation Division. 366
• The General Bureau 73 is the source of much speculation within the
Pyongyang-watching community. It is responsible for procuring gifts
for the Supreme Leader to facilitate loyalty and ensure stability within
his patronage system and the wider leadership. 367 Recent speculation is
that this body controls the Kim family funds. It does so through Office
38, which it directly oversees. 368 According to one source, Kim Sol-song
has responsibility for General Bureau 73, having assumed this responsibility
once Kim Kyong-hui withdrew from politics. She manages the
office with the acquiescence of Kim Jong-un and in coordination with
Kim Yo-jong, who plays a key role in the operations of Office 38. 369
• There are a number of administrative offices likely contained within
Kim Jong-un’s Personal Secretariat. These offices are responsible for the
internal operations within the Secretariat, as well as looking after the
Supreme Leader. They likely include those dedicated to cadre affairs
and facilities. Cadre affairs would be responsible for the recruiting and
vetting of new personnel entering the Personal Secretariat. Reportedly,
the 5th Section of the Cadres Office recruits, trains, and staffs ensembles
of female singers, musicians, and dancers, such as the Moranbong Art
Troupe, who entertain the North Korean leadership. A facilities office
would be dedicated to the upkeep of the Kim family estates, as well as
overseeing the staff associated with the residences. 370
366 “DPRK Defector on Kim Jong-il’s Family and Close Aides,” Gendai Weekly, op. cit.
367 This is one of the oldest offices in the Supreme Leader’s Personal Secretariat. It was created
under Kim Il-sung and was responsible for ensuring all aspects of the Supreme Leader’s life, including
the Longevity Research Institute. Since the 1990s, it has been downsized and now focuses primarily on
securing the funds necessary for the Supreme Leader.
368 Office 38 has a complex history. It exists in the Central Committee apparatus. At one time,
it was incorporated into Office 39. With Kim Yo-jong now being responsible for Kim family finances,
some defector sources believe that Office 38 has been brought into Kim Jong-un’s Personal Secretariat as a
banking and facilitating body.
369 Interview with senior-level North Korean defector in Seoul, May 2014.
370 Michael Madden, “The Personal Secretariat,” North Korea Leadership Watch.
Ken E. Gause
167