North Korean House of Cards

4. Kim Jong-un and the Wider Leadership
With the removal of the regent structure, Kim Jong-un’s relations with
the wider leadership have become increasingly important. As the new “Control
Tower,” Kim’s closest advisors most likely reside within his personal apparatus. But
in order for the regime to operate, he will have to rely on connections on at least
two levels: the second and third echelons. 197 These echelons include much of the
senior leadership within the Party, military, and government. They also include
the commanders, ministers, and directors responsible for domestic, foreign, and
security policy execution.
Many of these individuals are tied to the Kim family through blood and
family relations. Kim Jong-il’s “hub-and-spoke” leadership style was based on clear
lines of communication to these echelons. He often bypassed the chain of command
to ensure orders were understood and carried out. It is not yet clear whether Kim
Jong-un will run the regime in the same way that his father did, but relationships at
these levels will be critical as he eventually consolidates his power. A fourth echelon
of leadership, while still highly speculative, is worth analyzing because it may contain
future key leaders.
Since the purge of Jang Song-taek, the regime has published extensive
funeral committee lists for two senior leaders who have passed away: Kim Kuk-tae
in December 2013, and Jon Pyong-ho in July 2014. 198 Jon’s Funeral Committee
is especially useful for the Pyongyang-watching community to better understand
where power and influence lie. It reveals some emerging leaders and provides insight
into the status of some previously high-profile officials. These lists, combined with
recent reporting on Kim Jong-un’s guidance inspections and information coming
from senior-level defectors, provide insights into the emerging leadership structure
that Kim Jong-un must manage as he consolidates his position as Supreme Leader.
197 There is much debate within Pyongyang-watching circles on which leaders should be included
in which echelons. The author’s opinion is based on discussions with numerous Pyongyang-watchers over
the years.
198 “DPRK Party Organ Names Members on State Funeral Committee for Late Kim Kuk-t’ae,”
Nodong Sinmun, December 15, 2013. “DPRK Party Organ Carries Full List of State Funeral Committee
Members for Late Jon Pyong-ho,” op. cit.
Committee for Human Rights in North Korea
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