North Korean House of Cards

Jo Kyong-chol seated at the far left watching a performance by the Merited State Choir.
ii. Role in the Regime
(Source: Nodong Sinmun, 18 February 2014)
The Military Security Command has steadily risen in stature under Kim
Jong-un. In 2014 and 2015, Jo Kyong-chol began to appear at critical military/
security meetings, as well as accompany Kim Jong-un on military related guidance
inspections. In August 2015, he appeared in the photographs of a CMC meeting
aimed at dealing with the crisis on the Korean Peninsula following the landmine
explosions on the DMZ. Traditionally, the role and influence of the MSC has
risen in times of uncertainty within the leadership. Kim Jong-un seems to have
adopted this model as he works to consolidate his power. The question is whether
this will have an impact on the balance of power and influence within the internal
security apparatus, especially as it relates to the SSD and the GPB. In other words,
the fortunes of the MSC are a bellweather for stability. Its ascendance is likely to
continue as the young Supreme Leader works to secure his future as the unbridaled
center of authority of the North Korean regime.
Committee for Human Rights in North Korea
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