October 31, 1973
Hungarian Embassy in the DPRK, Telegram, 31 October 1973. Subject: Personal changes in the Korean leadership.
This document was made possible with support from ROK Ministry of Unification
A Romanian diplomat said that following his appointment as a presidential adviser, O Jin-u has been playing an increasingly important role within the KWP leadership.
In addition, a decision has been made, [at least] in principle, that he should give up his position as chief of the general staff, which will enable him to get involved in the leadership of the party and the government to an even greater extent.
Over here, O Jin-u is already being referred to as the second most influential person [after Kim Il Sung]; he did play such a role both at the military aktif [special meeting] and during the visit of Comrade Todor Zhivkov.
According to a Romanian evaluation, the following facts have all contributed to the growing role of O Jin-u: Kim Il is gravely ill, the left side of his body has been virtually paralyzed because of rheumatism and other causes (a few days ago, I also saw him as he was being supported by two persons and walking with a stick cane); Kim Yeong-ju is also seriously ill; and Pak Seong-cheol has been assigned to a lower position.
411 – T.
The Hungarian Embassy reports on O Jin-u's growing influence in the Korean Workers' Party.
Author(s):
Associated Places
Subjects Discussed
Document Information
Source
Original Archive
Rights
The History and Public Policy Program welcomes reuse of Digital Archive materials for research and educational purposes. Some documents may be subject to copyright, which is retained by the rights holders in accordance with US and international copyright laws. When possible, rights holders have been contacted for permission to reproduce their materials.
To enquire about this document's rights status or request permission for commercial use, please contact the History and Public Policy Program at [email protected].