5 key people to watch in North Korea

5. General O Kuk-ryol

General O Kuk-ryol, a former air force commander, is sometimes said to be the second most-powerful man in North Korea after Kim Jong-il, whom he has known from his youth.

In his late 70s, he has served as chief of the staff of the Army. He lost out in a dispute with another top general, then bounced back as head of the defense bureau of the Workers’ Party, a post that may make him a key player in the upcoming party conference.

5 of 5
You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us