North Korean House of Cards

from the field commands, as well as counterintelligence assessments
of loyalty from the GPB and MSC, are probably routed through this
office for the Supreme Leader’s review. It has a close relationship with
the Central Committee’s Military Affairs and Civil Defense departments
and most likely is involved in setting the agenda for CMC meetings.
Under Kim Jong-il, this office was led by Paek Kun-son.
• The Office of the Secretary for Judiciary and Security Organs is
responsible for keeping the Supreme Leader informed on the activities
of the legal and internal security apparatus. Before the purge of Jang
Song-taek, this office relied heavily on the KWP Administrative
Department. Now, its primary Party link is most likely with the KWP
OGD. It also has ties to the NDC, through which Kim Jong-un now
has direct oversight of the SSD, MPS, and MSC. It would also have ties
to the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Central Court.
• The Office of the Secretary for Second Economy is responsible for
processing the information related to the defense industry. It maintains
close ties with the KWP Secretary for Defense Industry, as well as
the KWP MID, SEC, and Second Academy of Natural Sciences. Kim
Jong-un makes decisions regarding the nuclear and missile programs
based on the information he receives through this channel. Decisions to
test would likely be issued through this office.
• The Office of the Secretary for External Affairs is responsible for
coordinating information related to the regime’s interactions with the
international community. It is unclear whether this office is subdivided
into special sections on China, South Korea, and the United States.
The office has ties to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Central
Committee’s United Front and International departments.
• The Office of the Secretary for Heavy Industry is responsible for
providing information on the conventional industrial sectors, such as
those devoted to manufacturing, metal production, mining, coal, and
logging. It most likely produces reports on key industries, including the
Anju District coal mining complex or the metal producing factories in
Dancheon, Nampo, Haeju, and Munpyeong. This office is closely tied to
the Cabinet, which contains several ministries related to heavy industry.
• The Office of the Secretary for Light Industry is an office that is likely
growing in importance with the increased emphasis on the light industry
sector. Since coming to power, Kim Jong-un has repeatedly referenced
the need for progress in this sector and has appeared at numerous
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