--- title: "Who Runs North Korea: Kim Family Tree and Leadership | Save North Korea" description: "The Kim family tree and the people who run North Korea in 2026: ages, roles, family links, health reports and sanctions, each with sources. Also available as JSON." url: "https://savenorthkorea.org/people" language: en translations: en: https://savenorthkorea.org/people ko: https://savenorthkorea.org/ko/people ja: https://savenorthkorea.org/ja/people zh-Hans: https://savenorthkorea.org/zh/people --- People # Who runs North Korea 87 people: the Kim family and the officials around them. Hover a name for a quick card, click for the full profile with family, positions, health reports and sanctions. Every fact links to its source. [Get it all as JSON](https://savenorthkorea.org/api/people). For everyone on the UN and US lists, see [sanctions](https://savenorthkorea.org/sanctions). [ **The Kim family now** Family tree: who is who around Kim Jong Un, their ages, roles and the named successor ](https://savenorthkorea.org/kim-family-tree) ## Party and state leadership Politburo, cabinet and the Supreme People’s Assembly [ **Pak Thae Song** 1955 · 71 Premier of North Korea ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/pak-thae-song)[ **Kim Tok Hun** 1961 · 65 Director of the Economic Affairs Department of the Workers' Party of Korea ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-tok-hun)[ **Jo Yong Won** 1957 · 69 Member of the Politburo Presidium sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/jo-yong-won)[ **Choe Ryong Hae** 1950 · 76 President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/choe-ryong-hae)[ **Ri Pyong Chol** 1948 · 78 Vice Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-pyong-chol)[ **Pak Jong Chon** 1960 · 66 member of the Politburo of the Workers' Party of Korea ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/pak-jong-chon)[ **Ri Yong Gil** 1952 · 74 Minister of National Defence ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-yong-gil)[ **Kang Sun Nam** 1960 · 66 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kang-sun-nam)[ **No Kwang Chol** 1956 · 70 Minister of National Defence ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/no-kwang-chol)[ **Jong Kyong Thaek** 1961 · 65 member of State Affairs Commission sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/jong-kyong-thaek)[ **Kim Jae Ryong** 1959 · 67 Vice Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-jae-ryong)[ **Ri Il Hwan** 1960 · 66 Vice Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-il-hwan)[ **O Su Yong** 1944 · 82 Vice Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/o-su-yong)[ **Jon Hyon Chol** 1965 · 61 Vice Premier of the Cabinet ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/jon-hyon-chol)[ **Pak Jong Gun** 1944 · 82 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/pak-jong-gun)[ **Ri Hi Yong** 1960 · 66 member of the Supreme People's Assembly ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-hi-yong)[ **Kim Hyong Sik** 1958 · 68 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-hyong-sik)[ **Ju Chang Il** 1960 · 66 Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ju-chang-il)[ **Choe Thae Bok** 1930–2024 education minister ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/choe-thae-bok)[ **Yang Hyong Sop** 1925–2022 education minister ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/yang-hyong-sop)[ **Ri Chang Dae** 1960 · 66 Member of the State Affairs Commission ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-chang-dae)[ **Ri Tae Sop** 1959 · 67 Minister of Social Security ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-tae-sop)[ **Pang Tu Sop** 1956 · 70 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/pang-tu-sop)[ **Kim Yong Chol** 1946 · 80 Vice Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-yong-chol)[ **Jang Chang Ha** 2000 · 26 Head of the Missile General Bureau ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/jang-chang-ha)[ **Jo Chun Ryong** 1960 · 66 Secretary of the Central Committee for Munitions Industry sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/jo-chun-ryong)[ **Pak To Chun** 1944–2022 member of the Supreme People's Assembly sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/pak-to-chun)[ **Choe Son Hui** 1964 · 62 Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/choe-son-hui)[ **Kim Hyong Jun** 1949 · 76 ambassador of North Korea to Russia ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-hyong-jun)[ **Ri Su Yong** 1940 · 86 member of the Supreme People's Assembly ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-su-yong)[ **Ri Yong Ho** 1956 · 70 member of the Supreme People's Assembly purged ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-yong-ho)[ **Ri Son Gwon** 1960 · 66 member of State Affairs Commission ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-son-gwon)[ **Ri Yong Ho (General)** 1942–2012 Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-yong-ho-kpa)[ **Hwang Jang-yop** 1923–2010 head teacher ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/hwang-jang-yop)[ **Hyon Song Wol** 1977 · 49 Member of the WPK Central Committee ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/hyon-song-wol)[ **Ri Chun Hee** 1943 · 83 Chief Anchor, Korean Central Television (KCTV) ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-chun-hee)[ **Kim Ki Nam** 1929–2024 member of the Supreme People's Assembly sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-ki-nam) ## Military Korean People’s Army command [ **Choe Ryong Hae** 1950 · 76 President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/choe-ryong-hae)[ **Ri Pyong Chol** 1948 · 78 Vice Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-pyong-chol)[ **Pak Jong Chon** 1960 · 66 member of the Politburo of the Workers' Party of Korea ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/pak-jong-chon)[ **Ri Yong Gil** 1952 · 74 Minister of National Defence ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-yong-gil)[ **Kang Sun Nam** 1960 · 66 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kang-sun-nam)[ **No Kwang Chol** 1956 · 70 Minister of National Defence ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/no-kwang-chol)[ **Jong Kyong Thaek** 1961 · 65 member of State Affairs Commission sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/jong-kyong-thaek)[ **Ri Tae Sop** 1959 · 67 Minister of Social Security ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-tae-sop)[ **Pang Tu Sop** 1956 · 70 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/pang-tu-sop)[ **Ri Chang Ho** 1965 · 61 Director of the Reconnaissance General Bureau ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-chang-ho)[ **Rim Kwang Il** 1965 · 61 Chief of General Staff of the Korean People's Army ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/rim-kwang-il)[ **Kim Yong Chol** 1946 · 80 Vice Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-yong-chol)[ **Jang Chang Ha** 2000 · 26 Head of the Missile General Bureau ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/jang-chang-ha)[ **Kim Jong Sik** 1967 · 59 First Vice Director of the Munitions Industry Department sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-jong-sik)[ **Hong Sung Mu** 1942 · 84 Member of the WPK Central Committee ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/hong-sung-mu)[ **Jo Chun Ryong** 1960 · 66 Secretary of the Central Committee for Munitions Industry sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/jo-chun-ryong)[ **Yu Jin** 1962 · 64 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/yu-jin)[ **Jon Il Ho** 1956 · 70 sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/jon-il-ho)[ **Pak To Chun** 1944–2022 member of the Supreme People's Assembly sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/pak-to-chun)[ **Hyon Yong Chol** 1953–2015 defence minister executed ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/hyon-yong-chol)[ **Ri Yong Ho (General)** 1942–2012 Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-yong-ho-kpa) ## Security services Secret police, police and intelligence [ **Jo Yong Won** 1957 · 69 Member of the Politburo Presidium sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/jo-yong-won)[ **Jong Kyong Thaek** 1961 · 65 member of State Affairs Commission sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/jong-kyong-thaek)[ **Kim Jae Ryong** 1959 · 67 Vice Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-jae-ryong)[ **Ri Hi Yong** 1960 · 66 member of the Supreme People's Assembly ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-hi-yong)[ **Kim Hyong Sik** 1958 · 68 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-hyong-sik)[ **Ri Chang Dae** 1960 · 66 Member of the State Affairs Commission ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-chang-dae)[ **Ri Tae Sop** 1959 · 67 Minister of Social Security ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-tae-sop)[ **Ri Chang Ho** 1965 · 61 Director of the Reconnaissance General Bureau ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-chang-ho)[ **Rim Kwang Il** 1965 · 61 Chief of General Staff of the Korean People's Army ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/rim-kwang-il)[ **Kim Yong Chol** 1946 · 80 Vice Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-yong-chol)[ **Park Jin Hyok** 1984 · 42 Hacker, Lab 110 / Lazarus Group sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/park-jin-hyok)[ **Kim Won Hong** 1945 · 81 member of the Supreme People's Assembly sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-won-hong)[ **Han Kwang Sang** 1958 · 68 Director of Finance and Accounting Department ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/han-kwang-sang)[ **Ri Son Gwon** 1960 · 66 member of State Affairs Commission ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-son-gwon) ## Weapons programs Missiles, nuclear and munitions industry [ **Ri Pyong Chol** 1948 · 78 Vice Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-pyong-chol)[ **Pak Jong Chon** 1960 · 66 member of the Politburo of the Workers' Party of Korea ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/pak-jong-chon)[ **Jang Chang Ha** 2000 · 26 Head of the Missile General Bureau ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/jang-chang-ha)[ **Kim Jong Sik** 1967 · 59 First Vice Director of the Munitions Industry Department sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-jong-sik)[ **Hong Sung Mu** 1942 · 84 Member of the WPK Central Committee ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/hong-sung-mu)[ **Jo Chun Ryong** 1960 · 66 Secretary of the Central Committee for Munitions Industry sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/jo-chun-ryong)[ **Yu Jin** 1962 · 64 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/yu-jin)[ **Jon Il Ho** 1956 · 70 sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/jon-il-ho)[ **Choe Chun Sik** 1954 · 72 sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/choe-chun-sik)[ **Pak To Chun** 1944–2022 member of the Supreme People's Assembly sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/pak-to-chun)[KT **Kim Tong Gyu** 1912 · 114 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-tong-gyu) ## Cyber Hacking units and crypto theft [ **Ri Chang Ho** 1965 · 61 Director of the Reconnaissance General Bureau ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-chang-ho)[ **Rim Kwang Il** 1965 · 61 Chief of General Staff of the Korean People's Army ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/rim-kwang-il)[ **Kim Yong Chol** 1946 · 80 Vice Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-yong-chol)[ **Park Jin Hyok** 1984 · 42 Hacker, Lab 110 / Lazarus Group sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/park-jin-hyok) ## Money Office 39, finance and trade [ **Pak Thae Song** 1955 · 71 Premier of North Korea ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/pak-thae-song)[ **Kim Tok Hun** 1961 · 65 Director of the Economic Affairs Department of the Workers' Party of Korea ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-tok-hun)[ **O Su Yong** 1944 · 82 Vice Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/o-su-yong)[ **Jon Hyon Chol** 1965 · 61 Vice Premier of the Cabinet ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/jon-hyon-chol)[ **Pak Jong Gun** 1944 · 82 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/pak-jong-gun)[ **Han Kwang Sang** 1958 · 68 Director of Finance and Accounting Department ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/han-kwang-sang)[ **Jon Il Chun** 1941 · 85 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/jon-il-chun)[ **Sin Ryong Man** 1964 · 62 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/sin-ryong-man)[ **Jon Sung Guk** 1966 · 60 Vice Premier of North Korea ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/jon-sung-guk)[ **Pak Nam Gi** 1934–2010 Director of Planning and Financial Department executed ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/pak-nam-gi)[KT **Kim Tong Gyu** 1912 · 114 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-tong-gyu)[ **Ri Ryong Nam** 1960 · 66 Vice Premier of North Korea ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-ryong-nam)[ **Ri Su Yong** 1940 · 86 member of the Supreme People's Assembly ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-su-yong)[RH **Ryu Hyun-woo** 1973 · 53 ambassador of North Korea to Kuwait ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ryu-hyun-woo)[ **Kang Myong-do** 1958 · 67 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kang-myong-do) ## Diplomats Foreign ministry and ambassadors [ **Kim Yong Chol** 1946 · 80 Vice Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-yong-chol)[ **Choe Son Hui** 1964 · 62 Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/choe-son-hui)[ **Kim Song** 1959 · 67 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-song)[ **Sin Hong Chol** 1960 · 66 ambassador of North Korea to Russia ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/sin-hong-chol)[ **Ri Ryong Nam** 1960 · 66 Vice Premier of North Korea ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-ryong-nam)[ **Kim Hyong Jun** 1949 · 76 ambassador of North Korea to Russia ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-hyong-jun)[ **Ri Su Yong** 1940 · 86 member of the Supreme People's Assembly ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-su-yong)[ **Ri Yong Ho** 1956 · 70 member of the Supreme People's Assembly purged ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-yong-ho)[ **Kim Kye Gwan** 1943 · 83 member of the Supreme People's Assembly ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-kye-gwan)[ **Ri Son Gwon** 1960 · 66 member of State Affairs Commission ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-son-gwon)[PM **Pak Myong Ho** 1963 · 63 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/pak-myong-ho)[KS **Kim Son Gyong** 1968 · 58 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-son-gyong)[ **Thae Yong-ho** 1961 · 65 Member of the National Assembly of South Korea ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/thae-yong-ho)[RI **Ri Il-gyu** 1972 · 54 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-il-gyu)[RH **Ryu Hyun-woo** 1973 · 53 ambassador of North Korea to Kuwait ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ryu-hyun-woo)[JS **Jo Song-gil** 1975 · 51 Acting Ambassador to Italy ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/jo-song-gil)[ **Kim Song Hye** 1965 · 61 Head of Secretariat, Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-song-hye) ## Purged or executed What happens to people who fall [ **Kim Won Hong** 1945 · 81 member of the Supreme People's Assembly sanctioned ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-won-hong)[ **Pak Nam Gi** 1934–2010 Director of Planning and Financial Department executed ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/pak-nam-gi)[ **Ri Yong Ho** 1956 · 70 member of the Supreme People's Assembly purged ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-yong-ho)[ **Hyon Yong Chol** 1953–2015 defence minister executed ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/hyon-yong-chol)[ **Ri Yong Ho (General)** 1942–2012 Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-yong-ho-kpa)[ **Kim Song Hye** 1965 · 61 Head of Secretariat, Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kim-song-hye) ## Elite defectors Officials who escaped [ **Thae Yong-ho** 1961 · 65 Member of the National Assembly of South Korea ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/thae-yong-ho)[RI **Ri Il-gyu** 1972 · 54 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ri-il-gyu)[RH **Ryu Hyun-woo** 1973 · 53 ambassador of North Korea to Kuwait ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/ryu-hyun-woo)[JS **Jo Song-gil** 1975 · 51 Acting Ambassador to Italy ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/jo-song-gil)[ **Hwang Jang-yop** 1923–2010 head teacher ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/hwang-jang-yop)[ **Kang Myong-do** 1958 · 67 ](https://savenorthkorea.org/people/kang-myong-do)