North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has replaced three senior officials responsible for his personal security, South Korea’s government said on Tuesday, signalling rising concerns within Pyongyang over possible assassination threats.
South Korea’s Unification Ministry, which oversees inter-Korean relations, disclosed that new heads have been appointed to three key state agencies tasked with protecting the North Korean leader. The leadership changes were first noticed during a military parade held in October.
According to the ministry, particular attention has been drawn to changes within the Bodyguard Command, a unit responsible for shielding Kim from advanced threats such as drone surveillance and electronic attacks.
Security analysts believe the reshuffle may be connected to Kim’s decision to deploy North Korean troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine, a move that has intensified international scrutiny of the regime.
“Changes in the pattern of Kim’s security detail were detected from October 2024, when he deployed North Korean troops to Russia,” said Hong Min, an analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification. “He may have concluded that the deployment increased the risk of an assassination attempt, possibly involving Ukrainian actors, given the heightened global attention.”
South Korea’s intelligence agency has previously reported that Kim has strengthened his personal security due to perceived threats to his life. The agency noted that Pyongyang had sought advanced equipment capable of jamming communications as well as technology for detecting hostile drones.
Over the past year, Kim has also been frequently seen in public alongside his daughter, Ju Ae, including during inspections of major military assets such as a nuclear-powered submarine. Analysts widely believe Ju Ae is being groomed as his eventual successor to lead the nuclear-armed state.
Security concerns in Pyongyang may have been further amplified by recent international developments, including the reported capture this month of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the United States, analysts suggest.
The latest security shake-up underscores growing anxiety within North Korea’s leadership as Kim faces increasing external pressure and global attention.
Kim Jong Un Overhauls Personal Security Leadership Amid Growing
