Politics of North Korea - National Defence Commission

National Defence Commission

According to the Constitution of North Korea (조선민주주의인민공화국 사회주의 헌법) Article 100, "the National Defence Commission is the highest military leadership body of State power." According to Article 102, "the Chairman of the National Defence Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea commands and directs all the armed forces and guides national defence as a whole." The position of Chairman of the National Defence Commission has been declared the "highest office of state" and has the "highest administrative authority" according to decrees issued by the Supreme People's Assembly.

Few people correctly anticipated that Kim Jong-il would officially terminate the transitional period by resuming the chairmanship of the National Defense Commission (NDC) and abolishing the post of president. Under the 1998 constitution, the NDC's role and status was strengthened. The 1998 constitution defines the NDC as "the highest guiding organ of the military and the managing organ of military matters." The chairman of the NDC controls the armed forces.

In a speech endorsing Kim Jong-il as NDC chairman, Kim Yong-nam made it clear that chairman of the NDC is the highest position in the country, in charge of all matters regarding the country's politics, economy, and military. Thus Kim Jong-il was, until 2011, in substance head of the state, but theoretically the chairman of the SPA Presidium represents the state and is responsible for foreign affairs, such as reception.

In June 2010, Kim appointed his brother-in-law, Chang Sung-taek, as vice-chairman of the NDC, in a move seen as propping his own position. Chang was already regarded as the second-most powerful person in North Korea and his appointment strengthens the probability that Kim's third son, Kim Jong-un, will succeed him.