Hyon Yong-chol

ModernGeneralNorth Korea1949 — ?

North Korean defense minister reportedly executed.

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Quick Facts

Born

1949

Country

North Korea

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)61

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)64

Legacy (20%)59

Leadership (15%)62

Strategy (15%)69

Total Score63.1

Hyon Yong-chol — Complete Timeline

2012 AD

Appointed Minister of the People's Armed ForcesPolitical Action◆ Major

Hyon Yong-chol was appointed Minister of the People's Armed Forces (Defense Minister) of North Korea in 2012 by Kim Jong-un. He oversaw the military's operations and modernization efforts during a period of heightened tensions with South Korea and the United States.

Defense MinisterKim Jong-unMilitary

Impact: national

2014 AD

Demoted from Defense MinisterPolitical Action

Hyon Yong-chol was demoted from his position as Minister of the People's Armed Forces in 2014, reportedly due to poor performance or political infighting. He was replaced by Pak Yong-sik, but later reinstated briefly before his execution.

DemotionPower StruggleKim Jong-un

Impact: nationaldestructive

2015 AD

Reportedly Executed by Anti-Aircraft GunPolitical Action◆ Major

Hyon Yong-chol was reportedly executed in April 2015 by anti-aircraft gun fire, according to South Korean intelligence. The execution was allegedly ordered by Kim Jong-un for disloyalty, including falling asleep during a military event and challenging the leader's authority.

ExecutionPurgeKim Jong-un

Impact: nationaltragic