Ri Myong-su

ModernGeneralNorth Korea1934 — ?

North Korean chief of general staff.

Compare Ri Myong-su with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1934

Country

North Korea

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)23

Political (20%)25

Influence (20%)50

Legacy (20%)38

Leadership (15%)51

Strategy (15%)30

Total Score38.6

Ri Myong-su — Complete Timeline

2009 AD

Appointed Chief of General Staff of KPAOther◆ Major

Ri Myong-su was appointed as Chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA). This position made him the top military commander under Supreme Leader Kim Jong-il, responsible for overseeing North Korea's military operations and strategic planning.

Military LeadershipNorth KoreaKPA

Impact: national

2011 AD

Oversaw Military During Kim Jong-il's SuccessionOther◆ Major

Ri Myong-su oversaw the Korean People's Army during the transition of power from Kim Jong-il to Kim Jong-un. He ensured military loyalty to the new leader and maintained stability during the succession period, a critical time for the North Korean regime.

SuccessionMilitary LoyaltyNorth Korea

Impact: national

2012 AD

Removed from Chief of General Staff PositionOther◆ Major

Ri Myong-su was removed from his position as Chief of the General Staff in 2012, reportedly as part of Kim Jong-un's military reshuffling. His removal was part of a broader purge of senior military officials associated with the previous leadership.

PurgeMilitary ReshuffleNorth Korea

Impact: nationaldestructive

2013 AD

Demoted to Lesser Military RolePolitical Action

Following his removal as Chief of Staff, Ri Myong-su was demoted to a lesser military position. This demotion reflected Kim Jong-un's consolidation of power and the replacement of older military leaders with younger officers loyal to the new leader.

DemotionLeadership ChangeNorth Korea

Impact: nationaldestructive