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| Premier of North Korea | |
|---|---|
| Post | Premier of the Cabinet of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea |
| Native name | 조선민주주의인민공화국 내각총리 |
| Incumbent | Kim Tok-hun |
| Incumbentsince | 2020 |
| Department | Cabinet of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea |
| Style | Mr. Premier |
| Reports to | Supreme People's Assembly |
| Seat | Pyongyang |
| Appointer | Supreme People's Assembly |
| Precursor | Premier of the Cabinet of the Provisional People's Committee |
| Formation | 1948 |
| First | Kim Il |
Premier of North Korea
The Premier of North Korea is the head of the Cabinet of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the nominal administrative executive of the state, associated with the Cabinet of North Korea, Supreme People's Assembly, Central People's Committee, State Affairs Commission, and the Workers' Party of Korea. The office has evolved through interactions with figures such as Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, Kim Jong-un, Choe Yong-rim, and Pak Pong-ju and institutions including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (North Korea), Ministry of People's Armed Forces, and provincial administrations like Pyongyang.
The Premier chairs the Cabinet of North Korea, coordinates ministries such as the Ministry of Finance (North Korea), Ministry of Coal Industry, Ministry of Public Health (North Korea), and proposes policies to the Supreme People's Assembly and its presidium, interacting with organs like the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, State Affairs Commission, and the Korean People's Army. The office shares executive functions with the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission and the President of the Supreme People's Assembly Presidium and participates in national plans such as the Seven-Year Plan (North Korea), infrastructure projects like the Rason Economic and Trade Zone, and responses to crises involving entities like the Korean Central News Agency and Korean People's Internal Security Forces.
Established in 1948 with the foundation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and first held by Kim Il, the premiership has been held by leaders including Kim Il-sung (as premier), Kim Jong-il (prior party positions), Kim Yong-nam (as de facto head of state roles), Li Jong-ok, Pak Song-chol, Ri Jong-ok, Hong Song-nam, Kang Song-san, Kim Yong-il (politician), and Kim Tok-hun. The institution has shifted during constitutional revisions in 1972, 1998, 2009, and 2016, reflecting changes involving the Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the abolition and creation of the National Defence Commission, and the establishment of the State Affairs Commission. Historic episodes linked to premiers intersect with events such as the Korean War, Sunshine Policy, Arduous March, and economic initiatives with actors like China–North Korea relations, Soviet Union–North Korea relations, and United Nations Security Council sanctions.
The Premier is nominated and appointed by the Supreme People's Assembly following proposals from leading organs like the Workers' Party of Korea and the State Affairs Commission. Terms align with mandates of the Supreme People's Assembly and have varied under different constitutions; some premiers served through multiple convocations such as during the tenures of Pak Pong-ju and Choe Yong-rim. Selection often follows intra-party deliberations involving figures from the Politburo of the Workers' Party of Korea, the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, and provincial party committees in regions like Ryanggang Province and North Hamgyong Province.
The Premier supervises cabinet ministries including the Ministry of Railways (North Korea), Ministry of Agriculture (North Korea), Ministry of Light Industry (North Korea), and oversees state enterprises, economic planning, and implementation of the Juche-aligned policies promoted by the Workers' Party of Korea. The office is involved in international economic contacts with authorities such as the Ministry of Foreign Trade and engages with international actors including China, Russia, United States, and multilateral institutions like the Asian Development Bank in limited capacities. Administrative functions extend to disaster management in coordination with the Korean Committee for Emergency Situations and domestic programs in education and public health linked to institutions like Kim Il-sung University and Pyongyang Maternity Hospital.
The Premier operates within a system where the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission holds primary leadership, while the Supreme People's Assembly exercises formal legislative authority and the Central Military Commission and Korean People's Army exert significant influence over security matters. Interaction occurs with the Socialist Patriotic Youth League, Red Cross Society of the DPRK, and ministries responsible for foreign affairs and economy. The premiership is subordinate to party organs such as the Politburo Standing Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and coordinates with the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly and the State Planning Commission.
Notable holders include early officeholders like Kim Il, mid-20th-century figures such as Pak Song-chol and Li Jong-ok, late-20th-century leaders like Kang Song-san and Hong Song-nam, 21st-century premiers including Pak Pong-ju, Choe Yong-rim, Kim Yong-il (politician), Kim Tok-hun, and acting figures appointed during transitions by the Supreme People's Assembly or nominated by the Workers' Party of Korea.
The official seat for cabinet activities is in Pyongyang, with ceremonial functions tied to locations like the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun for state events and meetings at government complexes near Mansudae Hill. The office uses state symbols including the national emblem and flags such as the Flag of North Korea, and engages publicly through state media like the Korean Central News Agency and official publications from the Rodong Sinmun.
Category:Politics of North Korea