The leader of the DPRK, Kim Jong Un, has been officially re-elected as Chairman of State Affairs of the country. According to the state news agency, the decision was made during the first session of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA).

Voting results and continuity

The re-election reaffirmed Kim Jong Un’s status as the supreme leader of the republic. The procedure took place as part of the renewal of the country’s highest legislative body following recent parliamentary elections. Deputies unanimously supported the incumbent leader’s candidacy, highlighting the stability of Pyongyang’s current political course.

Stages of political career

Kim Jong Un assumed leadership of North Korea in 2011 after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il. Since then, the structure of the country’s top power has undergone several changes:

• 2012: Became head of the State Defense Committee;

• 2016: Appointed Chairman of the newly established State Affairs Commission of the DPRK;

• 2019: Re-elected to the highest state post following administrative reforms.

The position of Chairman of State Affairs is the highest state office in the DPRK. In this role, the leader oversees key areas of domestic and foreign policy and serves as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

ORIENT