[Asia Economy reporters Yoo In-ho and Lee Ji-eun] North Korea is reported to have created the position of 'First Secretary' directly under Kim Jong-un, the General Secretary of the Workers' Party, through amendments to the party charter last January, drawing attention to the reasons behind this move. It appears to be part of a 'delegated governance' system to share the administrative duties concentrated on the General Secretary. However, some speculate that the position may have been established with a potential successor in mind.
According to sources on North Korean affairs on the 1st, North Korea amended the "Charter of the Workers' Party of Korea" at the 8th Party Congress last January, adding a phrase in Article 26 of Chapter 3, "Central Organization of the Party," stating that "the plenary session of the Central Committee of the Party shall elect the First Secretary and Secretaries."
By creating the title of First Secretary under the General Secretary, North Korea has formalized the de facto 'second-in-command' position. The party charter reportedly stipulates that the First Secretary may preside over meetings upon delegation from General Secretary Kim.
This is interpreted as a measure to share the administrative workload concentrated on General Secretary Kim and to reduce the stress associated with governance through delegation. Earlier, in August last year, the National Intelligence Service reported to the National Assembly Intelligence Committee that Kim Jong-un was practicing 'delegated governance,' indicating changes in North Korea's ruling methods.
In the amended party charter from January, Article 27 of Chapter 3 also includes provisions that members of the Politburo Standing Committee may preside over meetings upon delegation from the party leader, which is seen as part of this delegated governance system. At that time, the Rodong Sinmun reported that the purpose of the amendment was to "more smoothly assist the revolutionary leadership of the party leader and to actively carry out party affairs and activities in response to practical demands."
Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies said, "Whether the position of First Secretary is intended with a successor in mind or is an administrative role where the First Secretary oversees administration if the General Secretary is too busy remains to be seen. Even if it is a successor position, is it not possible to create the position without appointing anyone immediately?"
Among the candidates likely to hold the title of First Secretary is Cho Yong-won, a close aide of General Secretary Kim and a member of the Politburo Standing Committee. Cho rapidly rose to third place in the power hierarchy by leading training sessions following the 8th Party Congress, and at the party congress commemorative military parade, he was notably seen wearing a leather long coat alongside Kim Yo-jong, the party deputy department head and Kim Jong-un's sister, and Hyon Song-wol, also a party deputy department head.
However, some point out that since North Korea has never officially referred to Cho as 'First Secretary' through its official media, it is premature to draw conclusions.
There is also analysis that this move is a strategic step with a successor in mind rather than merely delegated governance. Jung Sung-jang, director of the North Korea Research Center at the Sejong Institute, said, "The content related to the creation of the 'First Secretary' was not included in the party charter amendments publicly released last January. If true, it is possible that it was inserted later. It is hard to see this as anything other than for the purpose of a successor."
In 2012, General Secretary Kim also established the position of First Secretary for himself while posthumously honoring his father, Kim Jong-il, as the 'Eternal General Secretary.' Professor Yang Moo-jin said, "Whether this is intended with a successor in mind or for administrative purposes needs to be observed further. Even if it is for a successor, the position may have been created without deciding who will occupy it yet."
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