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Pak Jong-chon, a deputy chairman of the Central Military Commission, has returned to work. In a move that appears to shake up North Korea's military leadership, state media KCNA reported on April 11 that Pak Jong-chon has been reinstated as a member of the State Affairs Commission and as deputy chairman of the Central Military Commission. Pak Jong-chon had seemingly fallen out of favor with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in 2020, when he was replaced by Jo Chun-ryong as a member of the Party Central Committee's Politburo. The recent personnel changes also saw the dismissal of Defence Minister Ri Kwang-chol, KCNA reported. The reasons behind the personnel changes remain unclear.

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hani.co.kr ·

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On the 29th, Kim Hyun-tae, who was isolated in a single room due to COVID-19, posted a handwritten apology on his SNS. In the apology, Kim Hyun-tae said, “I thought I was here on a dispatch mission, so I slept well.” He continued, “I was mentally prepared to be isolated for about 2 weeks. I will do my best to finish the remaining days.” On the 28th, Kim Hyun-tae tested positive for COVID-19 and was isolated in a single room. Meanwhile, Gong Yoo, Kim Jae-wook, Ahn Hyo-seop, and Lee Jae-wook, who were confirmed to be negative, visited public broadcasting company KBS to film an apologetic video. On the same day, Kim Hyeong-seok, the representative of Starship Entertainment, visited Kim Hyun-tae and provided a meal. Starship Entertainment announced on the 29th that Kim Hyun-tae will continue to undergo treatment while being isolated. The agency explained, “We are actively cooperating with the quarantine authorities and are doing our best to help Kim Hyun-tae recover.” On the 29th, Kim Hyeong-seok also posted on his SNS, “Please give Han Gil a lot of encouragement.” Han Gil, whose real name is Jeon Han-gil, is a YouTuber and was scheduled to appear on a YouTube broadcast with Kim Hyun-tae on the 28th. On the 28th, Jeon Han-gil also posted on his SNS, “I was going to do a live broadcast with Hyun-tae on the 28th, but it was canceled.” On the 29th, Jeon Han-gil said on his YouTube community page, “If you have time, please visit (Kim Hyun-tae) and give him a lot of encouragement.” He added, “I hope he gets well soon and we can do the broadcast together.”

·hani.co.kr

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