In a move that surprised no one but carried significant weight, North Korea’s rubber-stamp legislature, the Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA), has officially reappointed Kim Jong Un as the President of the State Affairs Commission.
While the outcome of the March 22 session was a foregone conclusion—bolstered by a reported 99.99% voter turnout—the details emerging from the 15th term’s inaugural session suggest that the “Supreme Leader” is doing more than just staying in power. He is actively rewriting the rules of the North Korean state.
More Than Just a Title
Analysts have noted a subtle but critical shift in the language used by state media. Kim is no longer being referred to primarily as the “Supreme Leader” in these proceedings. Instead, he has been elevated to the “Top Post of the Republic” and “Head of State.” This transition toward more formal, institutional titles is being viewed by experts as an attempt to project the image of a “normal,” organized state on the international stage—even as the nation continues its aggressive military posturing and deepens its ties with Russia.
The Big Reshuffle: Winners and Losers
The most shocking part of the session wasn’t who was kept, but who was removed.
- Jo Yong-won Rising: Kim’s close confidant, Jo Yong-won, has effectively been confirmed as the “Number 2” in the regime. He was elected as the Chairman of the SPA Standing Committee, replacing the veteran Choe Ryong-hae.
- The Kim Yo-jong Mystery: In a move that has sparked intense speculation, Kim’s powerful sister, Kim Yo-jong, was relieved of her role as a member of the State Affairs Commission. While experts believe she still holds immense power within the party, her removal from this specific state body suggests a strategic “recalibration” of the inner circle.
- New Roles: The session also saw the creation of a new First Vice Premier position, filled by former Premier Kim Tok-hun, as the government seeks to streamline its 2026 national development plan.
A Hostile Future?
Beyond the personnel changes, the assembly discussed major constitutional revisions. The big question remains whether Kim will officially codify his “Two-State” doctrine—formally declaring South Korea as a “hostile state” rather than a partner for eventual reunification.
If this is enshrined in the constitution, it marks the end of a decades-long era of theoretical peace talks, signaling that Pyongyang is preparing for a much more permanent and confrontational divide.
The Bottom Line
Kim Jong Un’s third term isn’t just about continuity; it’s about personalization. By stripping away some of the traditional references to his father and grandfather (Kim Jong-il-ism and Kim Il-sung-ism) and focusing on his own “top post,” Kim is signaling that the North Korea of 2026 is entirely his own creation.
