Close aide to N. Korean leader presumed to be reinstated after suspected reeducation

Jo Yong-won, third from left, a North Korean party secretary considered a close aide to leader Kim Jong-un, attends a trade show for regional factories that took place in Pyongyang from April 22 to 26, in this photo released by the Korean Central News Agency, April 27. Yonhap

Jo Yong-won, a North Korean party secretary considered one of the closest aides to leader Kim Jong-un, appears to have been reinstated following months of suspected disciplinary reeducation, according to Seoul officials and sources, Tuesday.

Jo was reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) to be among a group of high-level officials who accompanied Kim on his visit to the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang on Friday to mark Moscow's 80th Victory Day anniversary, according to Seoul's unification ministry.

It was the first time that North Korea's media has mentioned Jo by his name and title since he was last listed among the attendees at groundbreaking ceremonies on Feb. 28 for regional industrial factories. His absence had fueled speculation about a possible change in his official status.

On April 27, the KCNA also published photos showing Jo among officials attending an event in Pyongyang to evaluate industrial products from new factories, but he was not mentioned by name or title at the time.

"Considering that (Jo's) name and title were listed in the state media report, his status appears to have been reinstated," a ministry official said, citing the latest KCNA report.

Sources suspected that Jo may have undergone a "revolutionization" reeducation, a low-level form of disciplinary action, in connection with a corruption scandal that erupted early this year. Jo also serves as director of the ruling Workers' Party's organization and guidance department in charge of personnel affairs.

In early 2025, the KCNA reported Kim reprimanded irregularities involving regional officials in Onchon Country, Nampho Municipality, and Usi County of Jagang Province, and emphasized the need to strengthen work ethic and discipline.