North Korean House of Cards

National Security Meeting, January 2013
Image 27: The attending officials seen clockwise from the left of Kim Jong-un are Kim Kye-gwan,
First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs; Kim Yong-il, KWP Secretary for International Affairs; Kim
Won-hong, Minister of State Security; Choe Ryong-hae, Director of the GPB of the KPA; Hyon
Yong-chol, Chief of the GSD of the KPA; Hong Sung-mu, vice department director of the KWP
Munitions Department; and Pak To-chun, KWP Secretary for Defense Industry. (Source: KCTV)
The internal security apparatus became a frequent fixture in North Korean
media over the course of 2013. Many of these events were tied to the idolization
of the Kim family, such as the unveiling of giant statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim
Jong-il. In most cases, one or two members from the security apparatus were
featured. On some occasions, even more were featured. In July 2013, at the Kim
Jong-il University of People’s Security, several representatives showed up, including
Jang Song-taek, Jo Yon-jun from the OGD, Kim Won-hong and Kim Chang-sop
from the SSD, Choe Pu-il from the MPS, and Ri Pyong-sam from the KPISF. 521
The KPISF was the primary beneficiary of the education provided at the university.
At this time, the KPISF was on the rise primarily because of its ties to Jang
Song-taek. It was later revealed that Jang was under investigation by the KWP OGD
and the SSD during this period.
521 “Kim Jong Il’s Statue Erected At Kim Jong Il University Of People’s Security,” KCNA, July
19, 2013.
Committee for Human Rights in North Korea
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