Ri Yong-gil

Ri Yong-gil was appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, becoming the top military commander under Kim Jong-un. This position placed him in charge of North Korea's military operations and strategic planning during a period of heightened tensions with South Korea and the United States.

Ri Yong-gil was reportedly executed for corruption and factionalism, then later reinstated to his position. This event reflected the volatile nature of North Korean elite politics under Kim Jong-un, where purges and rehabilitations were used to maintain control over the military hierarchy.

Ri Yong-gil was dismissed from his post as Chief of the General Staff, reportedly due to policy disagreements or performance failures. His removal signaled a shift in North Korea's military leadership and was part of broader personnel changes within the Korean People's Army.