North Korea has officially reappointed Kim Jong-un as president of the State Affairs Commission (SAC) for a third consecutive term, following the first session of the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA) on Sunday, according to state media. The SAC, established in 2016, is North Korea’s highest policy guidance body, and Kim’s reappointment underscores the continuity of his leadership.
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The parliamentary session, held after last month’s ruling party congress, also introduced key personnel changes across North Korea’s governance structure. Jo Yong-won was appointed chairman of the SPA standing committee, the legislature’s top position, succeeding Choe Ryong-hae. Premier Pak Thae-song retained his role, while former Premier Kim Tok-hun was appointed first vice premier.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was reappointed as president of state affairs, state media KCNA reported on March 23, after the isolated nation convened the first session of its Supreme People’s Assembly a day earlier https://t.co/KlxV8NgRxH
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 23, 2026
In a notable shift, Kim’s sister, Kim Yo-jong, was removed from the SAC, while Jo Yong-won also became vice chief of the commission. Analysts say these changes reflect efforts to consolidate leadership and streamline decision-making as Pyongyang pursues its domestic development agenda.
The SPA also addressed constitutional revisions, measures to implement the five-year national development plan, and the 2026 state budget, though specific details were not disclosed. Such sessions typically serve to formalize party decisions into legal frameworks, emphasizing the ruling party’s central role in governance.
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Observers note that the leadership reshuffle comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula and deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Pyongyang’s consolidation signals continuity in its foreign policy direction, while regional players, including Türkiye, continue to monitor developments to maintain diplomatic balance and regional stability.