Politburo of the Workers' Party of Korea
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
|
|---|
 |
| This article is part of a series on the politics and government of North Korea |
|
|
| Foreign relations |
|
Related topics |
|
Politics portal |
The Politburo of the Workers' Party of Korea (officially the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea) is the highest leading body of the Workers' Party of Korea. Article 25 of Party Rules stipulate: "The Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee and its Presidium organize and direct all party work on behalf of the party Central Committee between plenary meetings. The Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee shall meet at least once every month."[1] The Politburo is elected by the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea.
History
After Kim Il-sung’s unitary ruling system was established in the late 1960s, the Political Bureau ceased to be a collective consultation body. It became a rubber stamp where only the voices of Kim’s loyal supporters were heard. Nevertheless, it remained a body where "constructive opinions". As Kim Jong-il inherited more of his father's power and authority, the leadership system changed in important ways. Institutionally, Kim shifted the center of gravity within the Party from the Politburo to the Secretariat, his base of power.[2] In 1994, 29 out of 50 North Korean elites had worked for the KWP Politburo. This means that this body was an important stop on the road to advancement. In 2006, however, only eight members of the elite had served in the Politburo.
Role
Officially, Politburo is responsible for conducting its activities as well as deciding on important issues between two Central Committee plenums and should meet once a month. Its members include important state and military leaders, as the Premier and the vice-chairmen of the National Defence Commission.
The Politburo's inner body is the Presidium, elected by the WPK Central Committee, in charge of day-to-day party work. It is usually made up by the supreme leader and other four members.
Full members
- Ordered in political position ranking
| Rank | Name | Member since | Duration | Party position(s) | State position(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marshal Kim Jong-un |
11 April 2012 | 3 years, 19 days |
|
|
| 2 | Kim Yong-nam | August 1978 | 36 years, 272 days |
|
|
| 3 | Vice Marshal Hwang Pyong-so[a] |
18 February 2015 | 71 days |
|
|
| 4 | Pak Pong-ju | 31 March 2013 | 2 years, 30 days | ||
| 5 | Vice Marshal Choe Ryong-hae |
11 April 2012 | 3 years, 19 days |
|
|
| 6 | Kim Ki-nam | 28 September 2010 | 4 years, 214 days |
|
|
| 7 | Choe Thae-bok | 23 May 1990 | 24 years, 342 days |
|
|
| 8 | Pak To-chun | 28 September 2010 | 4 years, 214 days |
|
|
| 9 | Yang Hyong-sop | 8 December 1993 | 21 years, 143 days |
| |
| 10 | Kang Sok-ju | 28 September 2010 | 4 years, 214 days |
|
|
| 11 | Vice Marshal Ri Yong-mu |
28 September 2010 | 4 years, 214 days |
| |
| 12 | General Kim Won-hong |
11 April 2012 | 3 years, 19 days |
|
|
Notes
- ^ Ranked after Chief Ri Yong-gil of the KPA General Staff and Minister Jang Jong-nam of the Armed Forces at official events.[3]
Alternate members
| Name | Name | Member since | Duration | Party position(s) | State position(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | General Ri Yong-gil[b] |
8 April 2014 | 1 years, 22 days |
|
|
| 14 | General Hyon Yong-chol[b] |
31 March 2013 | 2 years, 30 days |
|
|
| 15 | General O Kuk-ryol[c] |
11 April 2012 | 3 years, 19 days |
| |
| 16 | Kim Yang-gon | 28 September 2010 | 4 years, 214 days |
|
|
| 17 | Kim Phyong-hae | 28 September 2010 | 4 years, 214 days |
|
|
| 18 | Kwak Pom-gi | 11 April 2012 | 3 years, 19 days |
|
|
| 19 | General Choe Pu-il |
31 March 2013 | 2 years, 30 days |
|
|
| 20 | Col. Gen. Kim Chang-sop |
28 September 2010 | 4 years, 214 days |
|
|
| 21 | Col. Gen. Ri Pyong-sam |
11 April 2012 | 3 years, 19 days |
|
|
| 22 | Ro Tu-chol | 11 April 2012 | 3 years, 19 days |
| |
| 23 | Jo Yon-jun | 11 April 2012 | 3 years, 19 days |
|
|
| 24 | Thae Jong-su | 28 September 2010 | 4 years, 214 days |
|
|
| 25 | Kim Kyok-sik[d] | 31 March 2013 | 2 years, 30 days |
|
|
| 26 | Ju Kyu-chang[d] | 28 September 2010 | 4 years, 214 days |
|
|
Notes
- ^ Ranked after Hwang Pyong-so at official events.
- ^ Ranked after Ri Yong-mu at official events.[4]
- ^ Unclear following reshuffle.
Reported meetings after the 3rd Party Conference (September 2010)
- Enlarged Meeting of the Political Bureau (6 June 2011)
- Hailed Kim Jong-il's recent trip to the People's Republic of China.
- Meeting of the Political Bureau (30 December 2011)
- Appointed Kim Jong-un as Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army and decided on celebrations for Kim Il-sung's 100th birth anniversary.
- Meeting of the Political Bureau (15 July 2012)
- Formally sacked Ri Yong-ho.
- Enlarged Meeting of the Political Bureau (4 November 2012)
- Appointed a State Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission with Jang Sung-taek as chairman.
- Meeting of the Political Bureau (11 February 2013)
- Decided upon celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the end of the Korean War and the 65th founding anniversary of the DPRK.
- Enlarged Meeting of the Political Bureau (8 December 2013)
- Accused Jang Sung-taek of "counterrevolutionary crimes", dismissed him from his posts and expelled him from the party.
- Meeting of the Political Bureau (8 April 2014)
- Prepared the 1st Session of the 13th Supreme People's Assembly and decided on "organizational matter".
References
- ↑ "Rules of the Workers' Party of Korea (28 September 2010) (조선로동당규약—2010년 9월 28일)". 28 September 2010.
- ↑ "Analysis of the DPRK Power Group (2)—Route to the Heart of Leadership", Joong-Ang Ilbo, 05 January 2007.
- ↑ "State Funeral Committee for Kim Kuk T'ae". North Korea Leadership Watch. 15 December 2013. Retrieved 16 December 2013.
- ↑ "Kim Jong Un Has Photo Session with War Veteran Delegates". Korean Central News Agency. 27 July 2013. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
