North Korean bodyguards closely protecting Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Se-eun] It has been confirmed that North Korea recently significantly increased the security detail for Chairman Kim Jong-un's personal protection.
On the 28th, at the 8th National Veterans Conference event, Chairman Kim was surrounded by four to five bodyguards in suits in front of the Monument to the Victory of the Fatherland Liberation War, waving his hand to greet the crowd. Those presumed to be bodyguards wore dark suits with striped neckties and communicated via wireless earpieces.
North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un is taking a commemorative photo with participants of the 7th National Veterans Conference on the 29th. Photo by Yonhap News
This is a markedly different appearance compared to a year ago. In early May, during the 90th anniversary (April 25) parade commemorating the founding of the 'Anti-Japanese Partisan' forces, Chairman Kim walked alone in front of lined-up youths while taking group photos. At last year's 7th National Veterans Conference, he also interacted closely with the crowd without bodyguards. Moreover, it was rare to see Chairman Kim receiving 'close protection.'
However, at this event, the bodyguards surrounded Chairman Kim to prevent participants from crowding him when he shook hands with veterans. In particular, even after entering the Victory Museum of the Fatherland Liberation War, Chairman Kim was escorted by two to three bodyguards.
Judging from the appearance of Kim Gyu-chul, Director of the State Affairs Commission Security Bureau, on the Korean Central TV broadcast, it is presumed that he directed the security. Additionally, the close protection at this event also appears to have been carried out by bodyguards belonging to the Security Bureau. Typically, the security duties for Kim Jong-un and his family are handled by the Party Central Committee Guard Command, the State Affairs Commission Security Bureau, and the Guard Command.
Some attribute the increased security level surrounding Chairman Kim to the shooting incident involving former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe earlier this month. Former Prime Minister Abe was shot and killed on the 8th in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, during a campaign rally supporting the House of Councillors election by Tetsuya Yamagami, a former Maritime Self-Defense Force member.
At that time, criticism arose over the inadequate security surrounding former Prime Minister Abe's death. In fact, police officers were unable to intervene at all until the shooter approached Abe and fired two shots.
Yang Moo-jin, Vice President of the University of North Korean Studies, explained in an interview with Yonhap News Agency, "Close protection for Chairman Kim Jong-un has been rarely seen within North Korea except during overseas visits," adding, "The shooting death of former Prime Minister Abe may have influenced the strengthening of security measures for the supreme leader."
Vice President Yang analyzed, "However, it is possible that the security authorities independently took enhanced measures as a precautionary step, rather than by direct orders from Chairman Kim, who likely already feels confident about internal control."
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