North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been re-elected as chairman of state affairs, the country’s highest state position, according to the Korean Central News Agency. The decision was approved during the first session of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly, reaffirming his grip on power at the top of the government.
State media described the move in highly celebratory language, praising Kim as an outstanding thinker, strategist and leader of national construction and transformation. According to the official account, his renewed appointment is expected to further consolidate the authority of the republic, strengthen state power and help advance the country’s long-term political ambitions.
The reappointment follows another key political decision earlier this year. At the end of February, Kim was also re-elected as general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, the ruling party that dominates the country’s political system. Holding both the top party post and the highest state office underlines his central role in North Korea’s leadership structure.
Kim Jong Un is the third member of the Kim family dynasty to rule North Korea since the state was founded in 1948. He was declared the country’s supreme leader in December 2011 after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il. In 2012, he assumed the positions of first secretary of the ruling party and chairman of the National Defense Commission, further formalizing his authority.
In 2016, North Korea abolished the post of chairman of the National Defense Commission and created the office of chairman of state affairs in its place. That same year, Kim also took the title of party chairman, and in 2021 he became general secretary. He additionally serves as supreme commander of the Korean People’s Army, giving him direct control over the country’s military establishment.
Attention has also grown around his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who has regularly appeared alongside him at official events since 2022. Reports citing South Korean officials have suggested she may be being prepared as a possible successor, although Pyongyang has not made any formal statement on the matter.
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