On Wednesday, it was first confirmed that North Korea appointed Jeong Geum-cheol as the director of the Pyongyang General Hospital, which opened last November.
The December 2025 issue of the Workers’ Party’s official publication, Workers, obtained by News1, featured an article by Director Jeong titled, The People’s Leader Who Established the Pyongyang General Hospital as a Comprehensive and Modern Health Facility to Better Protect the Health and Lives of Our People.
In his piece, Director Jeong highlighted Kim Jong Un’s people-first philosophy while revisiting the Supreme Leader’s directives on hospital construction and operation. This reaffirms North Korea’s promotion of the Pyongyang General Hospital as a symbol of the Party’s commitment to public welfare.
Jeong reported that Kim insisted on building a modern general hospital for the people, not for officials, and personally selected the hospital site after touring various locations in Pyongyang.
The Pyongyang General Hospital was built in the square directly in front of the Party Foundation Monument in the Daedonggang District. Jeong revealed that some officials opposed this location, concerned it might diminish the status of the Party symbolized by the monument.
However, Kim reportedly declared that the Party’s dignity lies not in any tall monument but in the happiness of the people. He chose the site in front of the Party Foundation Monument, stating it was where the Great Leader (Kim Il Sung) and the Great General (Kim Jong Il) always look upon with bright smiles, celebrating the history and immortal achievements of the Party.
Little is known about Jeong’s background. However, he is listed as the elected representative for the 38th Dongmun electoral district in the recent 15th Supreme People’s Assembly elections. Given that Dongmun 1 and 2 neighborhoods are adjacent to the Pyongyang General Hospital, it’s possible Jeong was elected as a representative concurrent with his appointment as hospital director.
The Pyongyang General Hospital, which broke ground on March 17, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, was conceived by North Korea as a medical control tower. However, border closures due to the pandemic hampered the acquisition of cutting-edge medical equipment and personnel, delaying its official opening until November 3 last year. There are speculations about possible Russian assistance during this process.
At the completion ceremony on October 6, a month before the opening, Kim expressed that building the Pyongyang General Hospital was truly one of the things he most wanted to do, always at the forefront of his mind. He added that he feels genuinely pleased and more strongly than ever the sense of revolutionary fulfillment in having created a true hospital that can provide the people with excellent treatment facilities and advanced medical services.
Since last year, North Korea has concentrated on bolstering its overall healthcare capabilities, including expanding hospital construction to rural areas. Last February, Kim ordered pilot construction of local hospitals in three locations – Kangdong County, Yonggang County, and Kusong City – and directed that hospitals be built in 20 counties annually starting the following year.