Pak Pong-ju
Encyclopedia
Pak Pong-ju served as the Premier
of North Korea
since elected by the DPRK's Supreme People's Assembly
on September 3, 2003, until April 11, 2007.
Pak began his career in 1962 as manager of the Yongchon food factory in North Pyongan province. He became an alternative member of the ruling Korean Workers' Party (KWP) Central Committee in October 1980, and chief of the Namhung Youth Chemical Combine Committee in July 1983. In May 1993, he became vice director of the KWP's Light Industries Department, and in March 1994, he was the vice director of the party's Economic Policy Supervisory Department. In July of that year, Pak ranked 188th out of 273 members on the funeral committee of the late leader Kim Il-sung
, indicating that he was on the periphery of the elite hierarchy. However, in September 1998, he was appointed to the chemical-industries portfolio under premier Hong Song-nam
, and replaced him five years later.
On April 11, 2007, the Korean Central News Agency
reported that during the 5th session of the 11th Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, Pak Pong-ju was "relieved … of premiership" and Kim Yong-il
elected the new premier. He had not been seen in public since May 2006. It is rumoured that his was removed from office because he misused oil funds to be used for the farming sector, or that he was too heavily focused on economic development suggestions from the People's Republic of China
, instead of home-grown ideas.
As Premier, Pak Pong-ju was the head of government in the DPRK, and formed the top executive leadership of the DPRK with other executive officials. The other branch of the executive government is the National Defense Commission of North Korea, led by Chairman of the National Defence Commission
Kim Jong-il
. As premier, he was responsible for organizing the DPRK's cabinet and appointed ministers and vice-premiers upon confirmation by the Supreme People's Assembly. Prior to becoming Premier, Pak had served as Chemical Industry Minister.
On August 23, 2010, the New York Times reported that Pak Pong-ju "resurfaced at a state function in the capital, Pyongyang, on Saturday, carrying the title of first deputy director of the central committee of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, according to the North’s state-run Central Broadcasting Station."
Premier of North Korea
The Premier of North Korea is the head of government of North Korea.-Functions and history:...
of North Korea
North Korea
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea , , is a country in East Asia, occupying the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Pyongyang. The Korean Demilitarized Zone serves as the buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea...
since elected by the DPRK's Supreme People's Assembly
Supreme People's Assembly
The Supreme People's Assembly is the unicameral parliament of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea , commonly known as North Korea...
on September 3, 2003, until April 11, 2007.
Pak began his career in 1962 as manager of the Yongchon food factory in North Pyongan province. He became an alternative member of the ruling Korean Workers' Party (KWP) Central Committee in October 1980, and chief of the Namhung Youth Chemical Combine Committee in July 1983. In May 1993, he became vice director of the KWP's Light Industries Department, and in March 1994, he was the vice director of the party's Economic Policy Supervisory Department. In July of that year, Pak ranked 188th out of 273 members on the funeral committee of the late leader Kim Il-sung
Kim Il-sung
Kim Il-sung was a Korean communist politician who led the Democratic People's Republic of Korea from its founding in 1948 until his death in 1994. He held the posts of Prime Minister from 1948 to 1972 and President from 1972 to his death...
, indicating that he was on the periphery of the elite hierarchy. However, in September 1998, he was appointed to the chemical-industries portfolio under premier Hong Song-nam
Hong Song-nam
Hong Song-nam was the Premier of North Korea from 1997 to 2003. He succeeded Kang Song-san.- References :* http://www.881903.com/Page/ZH-TW/newsdetail.aspx?ItemId=109054 **...
, and replaced him five years later.
On April 11, 2007, the Korean Central News Agency
Korean Central News Agency
The Korean Central News Agency is the state news agency of North Korea and has existed since December 5, 1946. KCNA is headquartered in the capital city of Pyongyang...
reported that during the 5th session of the 11th Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, Pak Pong-ju was "relieved … of premiership" and Kim Yong-il
Kim Yong-il
Kim Yong-il was the Premier of North Korea from April, 2007 to June 7, 2010. He was elected as Premier by the 5th session of the 11th Supreme People's Assembly in April 2007, replacing Pak Pong-ju...
elected the new premier. He had not been seen in public since May 2006. It is rumoured that his was removed from office because he misused oil funds to be used for the farming sector, or that he was too heavily focused on economic development suggestions from the People's Republic of China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
, instead of home-grown ideas.
As Premier, Pak Pong-ju was the head of government in the DPRK, and formed the top executive leadership of the DPRK with other executive officials. The other branch of the executive government is the National Defense Commission of North Korea, led by Chairman of the National Defence Commission
Chairman of the National Defence Commission of North Korea
The Chairman of the National Defense Commission of North Korea is the supreme commander of the armed forces of North Korea and the most powerful person in the government...
Kim Jong-il
Kim Jong-il
Kim Jong-il, also written as Kim Jong Il, birth name Yuri Irsenovich Kim born 16 February 1941 or 16 February 1942 , is the Supreme Leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea...
. As premier, he was responsible for organizing the DPRK's cabinet and appointed ministers and vice-premiers upon confirmation by the Supreme People's Assembly. Prior to becoming Premier, Pak had served as Chemical Industry Minister.
On August 23, 2010, the New York Times reported that Pak Pong-ju "resurfaced at a state function in the capital, Pyongyang, on Saturday, carrying the title of first deputy director of the central committee of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, according to the North’s state-run Central Broadcasting Station."