He was born in the Central District, Pyongyang, on February 4, Juche 17 (1928). After graduating from a university, he worked as a teacher at the Central Party School, vice department director of the WPK Central Committee, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, and first vice department director, department director and secretary of the WPK Central Committee, vice-premier of the Administration Council and concurrently minister of Foreign Affairs.

He has worked as president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly since September of Juche 87 (1998).

Choe Yong Rim, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

He was born on November 20, Juche 19 (1930), in Kyonghung County, North Hamgyong Province.

He joined the Korean People's Army in July Juche 39 (1950).

He got the qualifications as an economic engineer after graduating from a university.

He worked as instructor, section chief, vice department director, first vice department director and department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and chief secretary of the Secretaries Office of the Kumsusan Assembly Hall.

Then he held posts of vice-premier of the Administration Council, director of the Central Public Prosecutors Office and secretary general of the SPA Presidium.

He worked as chief secretary of the Pyongyang City Committee of the WPK until he was appointed as premier of the Cabinet in June Juche 99 (2010).

Jo Myong Rok, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK.

Born in Yonsa County, North Hamgyong Province, on July 12, Juche 17 (1928), he joined the Korean People's Army in December of Juche 39 (1950).

Graduated from the Aviation School, he worked as battalion commander, regimental commander, divisional commander, chief of staff and commander of the air force of the Korean People's Army and director of the General Political Bureau of the KPA.

He has held the post of first vice chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK since February of Juche 98 (2009.)

Ri Yong Ho, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

Born in Thongchon County, Kangwon Province on October 5, Juche 31 (1942), he joined the Korean People's Army in August Juche 48 (1959).

After graduation from Kim Il Sung Military University he worked as chief of staff of a division, director of the operations department of an army corps, head of a training center, vice-director of the operations department of the General Staff, its deputy chief and head of a training center of the KPA.

He has worked as chief of the General Staff of the KPA since February of Juche 98 (2009).

Kim Yong Chun, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea

Born in Pochon County, Ryanggang Province on March 4, Juche 25 (1936), he joined the People's Army in July Juche 45 (1956).

After graduation from Kim Il Sung Military University, he held the posts of deputy director of the operations department of an army corps, chief of staff and director of the Reconnaissance Bureau of the General Staff, deputy chief of the General Staff and director of the Operations Bureau, head of a training centre, director of the General Bureau for Munitions Mobilization, commander of an army corps, chief of the General Staff and vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission.

He has worked as minister of the People's Armed Forces since February of Juche 98 (2009).

Jon Pyong Ho, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea

Born in Jonchon County, Jagang Province, on March 20, Juche 15 (1926), he joined the Worker-Peasant Red Guards in October Juche 34 (1945).

He graduated from a university, acquiring the qualification as a metal engineering and casting engineer.

He worked as deputy chief engineer of Factory No. 26, department director of the State Planning Commission, chief engineer of the Kanggye Tractor Plant, vice department director and department director of the C.C., the WPK, vice-chairman and first vice chairman of the Second Economy Commission and chief secretary of its party committee, chairman of the Second Economy Commission, secretary and department director of the C.C., the WPK. He has worked as director of the Political Bureau of the Cabinet and chief secretary of its party committee since September of Juche 99 (2010.)

Kim Kuk Thae, member of the Political Bureau of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee,

He was born in Kim Chaek City, North Hamgyong Province, on August 27, Juche 13 (1924.)

After graduating from the Higher Party School, he worked as instructor, section chief, vice department director and department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, vice director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army, director of the Political Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security, director of Kim Il Sung Higher Party School and department director and secretary of the C.C., the WPK. He has worked as chairman of the Control Commission of the C.C., the WPK since September of Juche 99 (2010).

Kim Ki Nam, member of the Political Bureau of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee

He was born in Kumya County, South Hamgyong Province, on August 28, Juche 18 (1929.)

Graduated from a university acquiring the qualification as an economic expert, he worked as a teacher and a dean of a faculty of Kim Il Sung University, vice department director of the C.C., the WPK, editor-in-chief of Rodong Sinmun, first vice department director, department director and secretary of the C.C, the WPK.

He has worked as secretary and director of the Information and Publicity Department of the C.C, the WPK from May, Juche 99 (2010.)

Choe Thae Bok, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C, the WPK

He was born in Hanggu District, Nampho City, on December 1, Juche 19 (1930).

After graduating from a university, he worked as a teacher, a dean of a faculty, president of Kim Chaek University of Technology, chairman of the Education Commission and minister of Higher Education.

He has worked as secretary of the C.C., the WPK since December of Juche 75 (1986.)

Yang Hyong Sop, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C, the WPK

Born in Songchongang District, Hamhung City, South Hamgyong Province on October 1, Juche 14 (1925), he joined the Korean People's Army in June Juche 39 (1950).

After graduating from Kim Il Sung University, he held the posts of instructor, section chief of the C.C., the WPK, director of the Central Party School, minister of Higher Education, secretary of the C.C., the WPK, president of the Academy of Social Sciences, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly.

He has worked as vice-president of the Presidium of the SPA since September of Juche 87 (1998).

Kang Sok Ju, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

He was born in Phyongwon County, South Phyongan Province on August 29, Juche 28 (1939.)

After graduating from a university, he worked as instructor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, instructor and section chief of the C.C., the WPK, vice-minister and first vice-minister of Foreign Affairs. He has worked as vice-premier of the Cabinet since September of Juche 99 (2010.)

Pyon Yong Rip, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C, the WPK

Born in Jaeryong County, South Hwanghae Province on September 20, Juche 18 (1929), he joined the People's Army in September of Juche 39 (1950).

He graduated from Kim Il Sung University, acquiring the qualification as a physics expert.

He worked as head of a department of Kim Il Sung University, director of a department of the Ministry of Higher Education, first vice department director of the Education Commission, vice-president of the State Academy of Sciences, minister of Education and president of the State Academy of Sciences.

He has worked as secretary general of the Presidium of the SPA since July of Juche 98 (2009.)

Ri Yong Mu, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

Born in Phyongsong City, South Phyongan Province on January 25, Juche 14 (1925), he joined the Central Guard Battalion in June Juche 36 (1947).

After graduation from Second Central Political School, he worked as an instructor of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army, director of the political department and commander of a division of the KPA, section chief and deputy director of the organizational department of the General Political Bureau and its first vice director and director, chairman of the State Control Commission, director of the Political Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security, chairman and concurrently director of the Political Bureau of the Transport Commission.

He has worked as vice-chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK since September of Juche 87 (1998).

Ju Sang Song, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea

Born in Munchon City, Kangwon Province on August 1, Juche 22 (1933), he joined the Korean People's Army in June of Juche 40 (1951).

After graduating from Kim Il Sung Military University he worked as senior operations staff officer of an army corps, brigade commander, divisional commander, chief of staff of regional headquarters, commander of an army corps and inspector of the General Staff. He has worked as minister of People's Security since July of Juche 93 (2004.)

Hong Sok Hyong, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

He was born in Seoul on October 1, Juche 25 (1936). He graduated from a university, acquiring the qualification as an engineer of metal engineering.

He worked as vice-chief engineer for technical affairs of the Songjin Steel Works, first vice-minister of Metal Industry, chief engineer of the Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Complex, second secretary of the North Hamgyong Provincial Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and concurrently chief secretary of the party committee of the said complex, chairman of the State Planning Commission, chief secretary of the provincial committee of the WPK and department director of the WPK Central Committee.

He has worked as secretary and director of the Department of Planning and Finance of the WPK Central Committee since September of Juche 99 (2010).

Ri Thae Nam, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

He was born in Yomju County, North Phyongan Province on March 26, Juche 27 (1938). He graduated from Pyongyang University of Mechanical Engineering, acquiring the qualification as a metal processing engineer.

He worked as head of a workshop of the Coal Mining Machine Plant, instructor, deputy section chief and section chief of the C.C., the WPK, chief secretary of the Party Committee of the Kangson Steel Complex, chairman of the Nampho City Administrative and Economic Committee, chief secretary of the Party Committee of the Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex and chief secretary of the provincial committee of the WPK.

He has worked as vice-premier of the Cabinet since June Juche 99 (2010.)

Kim Rak Hui, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

Born in Kaechon City, South Phyongan Province on November 11, Juche 22 (1933).

After graduating from the University of National Economics, she worked as management board chairwoman of a cooperative farm, chairwoman of a county cooperative farm management committee, chairwoman of a provincial rural economy committee, vice department director of the WPK Central Committee and chief secretary of the South Hwanghae Provincial Committee of the WPK.

She has worked as vice-premier of the Cabinet from June Juche 99 (2010).

Thae Jong Su, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

Born in Myonggan County, North Hamgyong Province on March 20, Juche 25 (1936).

Joined the People's Army in September Juche 39 (1950).

Got qualifications for a machine-building engineer after graduating from a university.

He worked as school inspector of the Ministry of Common Education, instructor and section chief of the WPK Central Committee, secretary of a provincial committee of the WPK, manager of a machine-building factory, minister of Shipbuilding Industry, chief secretary of the party committee of the Taean Heavy Machine Complex, vice-premier of the Cabinet, chief secretary of the South Hamgyong Provincial Committee of the WPK and department director of the C.C., WPK.

He is active as secretary of the WPK Central Committee and director of its General Affairs Department from September Juche 99 (2010).

Kim Phyong Hae, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

Born in Jonchon County, Jagang Province on October 8, Juche 30 (1941).

Joined the People's Army in February Juche 49 (1960).

After graduating from a university of education, he worked as instructor, section chief and vice department director of a provincial party committee, instructor of the WPK Central Committee, department director and organizational secretary of a provincial party committee and chief secretary of the North Phyongan Provincial Committee of the WPK.

He is active as secretary and director of the Personnel Department of the WPK Central Committee from September Juche 99 (2010).

U Tong Chuk, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

Born in Phyongwon County, South Phyongan Province on August 8, Juche 31 (1942).

Got qualifications for an expert in philosophy after graduating from Kim Il Sung University.

He worked as instructor and deputy section chief of the WPK Central Committee and department director and vice-minister of State Security.

He serves as first vice-minister of State Security from September Juche 98 (2009).

Kim Jong Gak, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

Born in Jungsan County, South Phyongan Province on July 20, Juche 30 (1941).

Joined the People's Army in August Juche 48 (1959).

After graduating from Kim Il Sung Military University, he served as battalion commander, deputy commander of an army corps, chief of staff and head of a training center and vice-minister of the People's Armed Forces.

He has been active as first vice-director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army since March Juche 96 (2007).

Pak Jong Sun, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

Born in Phyongwon County, South Phyongan Province on July 1, Juche 17 (1928).

Joined the People's Army in July Juche 39 (1950).

After graduating from the Central Party School, he worked as vice department director of a county party committee, instructor of a provincial party committee, chief instructor of the WPK Central Committee, second secretary of the South Hamgyong Provincial Committee of the WPK, section chief and vice department director of the C.C., WPK, organizational secretary of the Pyongyang City Committee of the WPK and vice department director and department director of the C.C., WPK.

He serves as first vice director of the Organizational Leadership Department of the C.C., WPK from September Juche 99 (2010).

Kim Chang Sop, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

Born in Unsan County, South Phyongan Province on January 2, Juche 35 (1946).

Joined the People's Army in July Juche 52 (1963).

After graduating from Kim Il Sung Higher Party School, he worked as instructor, chief instructor and deputy section chief of the WPK Central Committee and vice-minister of State Security and vice-director of its Political Bureau.

He has been active as director of the Political Bureau of the Ministry of State Security since August Juche 98 (2009).

Mun Kyong Dok, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

Born in Taesong District, Pyongyang on October 12, Juche 46 (1957).

Joined the People's Army in October Juche 62 (1973).

After graduating from Kim Il Sung University he got qualifications for a political economist.

He worked as instructor of the Pyongyang City Committee of the WPK, vice-chairman of the C.C., the League of Socialist Working Youth of Korea, director of the Guidance Bureau No. 2, vice department director of the WPK Central Committee and chief secretary of the Pyongyang City Committee of the WPK.

He is active as secretary of the WPK Central Committee and concurrently chief secretary of the Pyongyang City Committee of the WPK from September Juche 99 (2010).

Kim Yang Gon, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

Born in Anju City, South Phyongan Province on April 24, Juche 31 (1942).

Joined the People's Army in August Juche 48 (1959).

Got qualifications for an expert in French language and literature after graduating from Kim Il Sung University.

He had been active as instructor of the C.C., the League of Socialist Working Youth of Korea and instructor, section chief, vice department director and department director of the WPK Central Committee.

He works as secretary of the WPK Central Committee and director of its United Front Department from September Juche 99 (2010).

Kim Yong Il, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

Born in Jongju City, North Phyongan Province on March 17, Juche 36 (1947).

After graduating from the University of International Relations he worked as instructor of the WPK Central Committee, director and vice-minister of Foreign Affairs and department director of the C.C., WPK.

He is active as secretary of the WPK Central Committee and concurrently director of its International Affairs Department from September Juche 99 (2010).

Pak To Chun, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

Born in Rangrim County, Jagang Province on March 9, Juche 33 (1944).

Joined the People's Army in October Juche 49 (1960).

After graduating from Kim Il Sung Higher Party School he worked as secretary of a mine party committee, instructor, deputy section chief and section chief of the WPK Central Committee, secretary and department director of a provincial party committee and chief secretary of the Jagang Provincial Committee of the WPK.

He serves as secretary of the WPK Central Committee from September Juche 99 (2010).

Choe Ryong Hae, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

Born in Sinchon County, South Hwanghae Province on January 15, Juche 39 (1950).

Joined the People's Army in September Juche 56 (1967).

Got qualifications for a political economist after graduating from Kim Il Sung University.

He worked as vice department director, department director and vice-chairman of the C.C., the League of Socialist Working Youth of Korea, first secretary of the C.C., the Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League, vice department director of the WPK Central Committee and chief secretary of the North Hwanghae Provincial Committee of the WPK.

He is active as secretary of the WPK Central Committee from September Juche 99 (2010).

Jang Song Thaek, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

Born in Chongam District, Chongjin City of North Hamgyong Province on January 22, Juche 35 (1946).

After graduating from Kim Il Sung University he worked as instructor of the Pyongyang City Committee of the WPK and instructor, deputy section chief, section chief, vice department director, first vice department director and department director of the C.C., the WPK.

He has been active as vice-chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission and director of the Administration Department of the WPK Central Committee since June Juche 99 (2010).

Ju Kyu Chang, alternate member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK

Born in Hamju County, South Hamgyong Province on November 25, Juche 17 (1928).

Joined the People's Army in March Juche 39 (1950).

Got qualifications for a mechanical engineer after graduating from a university.

He worked as vice-president, first vice-president and president of the Academy of National Defence Science, vice department director of the WPK Central Committee, chairman of the Second Economy Commission, president of the Second Academy of Natural Science and first vice department director of the WPK Central Committee.

He is active as director of the Department of Machine-Building Industry of the WPK Central Committee from September Juche 99 (2010).