Korean Media: North Korea Replaces Commanders of Frontline Forces Along the South-North Border

According to a report by Yonhap News Agency on the 1st, after analyzing the video broadcast by the Korean Central Television of the military parade commemorating the 9th Congress of the Workers' Party, it was found that the commanders of four frontline divisions responsible for border defense have been replaced.

The report stated that the commanders leading the second, fourth, and fifth divisions in the parade were Ju Seongnam (translated names), Jeong Myeongnam, and Lieutenant General Lee Jung-gook (both with two stars). However, at the military parade commemorating the founding of the Workers' Party in October last year, the commanders of these units were Park Chae-woong, Park Gwang-joo, and General Choe Du-young (all with three stars). Only the commander of the first division, Ahn Young-hwan, remained in his position.

The second division is stationed in Pyongsan, Hwanghae Province, and participated in the 2010 Yeonpyeong Island artillery shelling incident; the fourth and fifth divisions are stationed in Haesong, Hwanghae Province, and Pyeonggang, Gangwon Province, respectively. All three divisions are the most forward units along the border with South Korea.

Yonhap News Agency analyzed that North Korea has been carrying out defensive works such as landmine laying and fence construction on the northern side of the demilitarized zone, and the replacement of commanders may be intended to accelerate related work and strengthen the security situation. The South Korean military is also closely monitoring changes in the command structure of the North Korean forces. Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Strategy, pointed out that it is rare for multiple frontline units such as the second, fourth, and fifth divisions to have their commanders replaced simultaneously, and it is necessary to pay attention to whether North Korea is strengthening border security or adjusting management measures along the border.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1858421912384522/

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