Pak Jong Chon, the second-most powerful military figure after leader Kim Jong Un, was reportedly fired, according to state media.
At the committee’s annual meeting last week, Ri Yong Gil took the place of Pak, who served as secretary and vice chairman of the Workers’ Party’s Central Military Commission. The change was not explained.
Pyongyang continually changes the makeup of its leadership, and the year-end party celebration is frequently used to make key policy announcements and personnel changes. While other attendees raised their hands to vote on personnel matters, Pak was seen on state television sitting in the front row of the platform with his head bowed. Later photos showed his seat to be vacant.
