Ri Pyong-chol
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Commander of the 0Korean People's Army Air and Anti-Air Force0 | |
In office unknown–unknown | |
Supreme Commander | Kim Jong Un |
Chairman | Kim Jong Un |
Succeeded by | Kim Kwang-hyok |
First Deputy Director of the Organization and Guidance Department | |
Assumed office unknown | |
Leader | Kim Jong Un |
Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea | |
Assumed office 21 June 2022 | |
Chairman | Kim Jong Un |
Preceded by | Seat created |
In office 23 May 2020 – 30 June 2021 | |
Preceded by | Choe Ryong-hae |
Personal details | |
Born | 1948 (age 75–76) North Korea |
Citizenship | North Korean |
Nationality | Korean |
Political party | Workers' Party of Korea |
Education | Red Flag Mangyongdae Revolutionary School |
Military service | |
Allegiance | ![]() |
Branch/service | ![]() |
Years of service | 1965–present |
Rank | ![]() |
Korean name | |
Chosŏn'gŭl | 리병철 |
Hancha | |
Revised Romanization | I Byeong-cheol |
McCune–Reischauer | Ri Pyŏngch'ŏl |
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Ri Pyong-chol (Korean: 리병철, born 1948)[1] is a North Korean marshal and formerly a top advisor of supreme leader Kim Jong Un, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission and a member of the Presidium of the Politburo of the Workers' Party of Korea. He is a relative of Kim's wife, Ri Sol-ju. He currently also serves as a director of a department of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and First Deputy Director of the WPK Organization and Guidance Department (OGD).[3][4]
General Ri's military and senior Party experience make him an important advisor to Kim Jong Un, especially during crisis.[4] He is an alternate member of the WPK Political Bureau, and a deputy to the Supreme People's Assembly.[5] Ri served in the Korean People's Army Air Force until 2014 at which time he became a senior party official.[6]
In December 2017, the U.S. Treasury department issued sanctions against him, blocking him from "any property or interests in property within U.S. jurisdiction, and prohibits [him] from transactions with American citizens".[7]
In late 2019, Ri became a director of a department of the Central Committee of the party, possibly of the Munitions Industry Department, where he was previously the senior deputy director.[8]
On 23 May 2020, Ri became a vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea.[9] On 13 August he also became a member of the Presidium of the Politburo of the Workers' Party of Korea. On 5 October, he was promoted to Marshal of the Korean People's Army.[10]
Following an unspecified "serious incident" in June 2021, Ri was stripped of his military title and demoted to a junior position in the party.[11] He was again identified as a Politburo Presidium member and secretary of the Central Committee at the celebrations for the 90th anniversary of the Korean People's Army on 25 April 2022.
During the 8 February 2023 parade, Ri was seen wearing all decorations awarded to him.[12]
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Party political offices | ||
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New seat | Vice Chairman of the WPK Central Military Commission 2022–present |
Incumbent |
Vacant Title last held by Choe Ryong-hae |
Vice Chairman of the WPK Central Military Commission 2020–2021 |
Succeeded by |
Military offices | ||
Preceded by
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Commander of the Korean People's Army Air and Anti-Air Force 2008–2014 |
Succeeded by
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Members of the Presidium of the Politburo of the Workers' Party of Korea
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General Secretary |
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Other members |
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Commanders of the Korean People's Army
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Chief Commander |
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Supreme Commanders |
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Ministry of Defence |
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Chiefs of the General Staff |
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Italics indicate interim officeholder |
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