Kim Jong Un has been re-elected as the head of North Korea’s State Affairs Council, the country’s highest leadership position. This decision was made during the first session of the Supreme People’s Assembly held in Pyongyang on March 22, as reported by Reuters citing KCNA.
The Supreme People’s Assembly, which officially ratifies state policy, typically convenes following a ruling party congress to transform party decisions into law. During this session, discussions are expected to include amendments to the constitution and the election of the head of the State Affairs Commission, along with other governmental bodies.
Additionally, the assembly will review a five-year economic development plan announced at the party’s ninth congress in February. Attention is particularly focused on whether Pyongyang will amend its constitution to formalize Kim’s policy of viewing South Korea as a hostile state, a shift from the previous goal of peaceful reunification.
Notably, Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s sister, was absent from the list of members in the State Affairs Commission, where she had served since 2021. The South Korean Ministry of Unification has stated that it is investigating her absence from the list, though analysts suggest this may not indicate a loss of influence.
“Her absence does not signify a decrease in status but rather a strategic distribution of roles,” said Lim Il-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University, adding that she continues to wield real power as a director in the ruling Workers’ Party, where she can play a significant role in policy coordination.
Kim Jong Un's re-election as head of North Korea's State Affairs Council was confirmed during a parliamentary session in Pyongyang. The assembly is set to address constitutional amendments and economic plans, while Kim Yo Jong's absence from a key commission raises questions about her role in the regime.
Source: Reuters