North Korea recently revealed the appointment of a new artillery chief for its General Staff Department. On Tuesday, it was confirmed that Yoo Chang-sun, a former principal of the Artillery Comprehensive Military Academy, has assumed this role. Despite his limited public appearances, Yoo appears to have earned the trust of Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, likely due to his expertise in artillery strategy.
The Rodong Sinmun published several photographs alongside its report on the artillery training competition, which was conducted as part of the Korean People’s Army General Staff’s combat training plan.
One of the pictures clearly shows a name tag identifying General Staff Artillery Bureau Chief Yoo Chang-sun on an individual reporting to Pak Jong-chon, the Deputy Chairman of the Central Military Commission and Party Secretary.
Yoo previously led the frontline corps during the military parade commemorating North Korea’s 70th founding anniversary in September 2018. He also accompanied Kim as the principal (Army Colonel) during a visit to the Artillery Comprehensive Military Academy last September. Beyond these appearances, little is known about Yoo’s background or career.
While North Korea announced the replacement of artillery chief Nam Seung-jin during the 8th expanded meeting of the Party’s Central Military Commission on May 28, they did not disclose the identity of his replacement at that time.
Kim, who specialized in artillery during his tenure at the Kim Il Sung Military University’s special program, has long demonstrated a keen interest in this field. It is likely that he personally decided to appoint Yoo as the new artillery chief.
Since signing a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with Russia in 2023, North Korea has been focusing on modernizing its military, particularly its artillery capabilities. This effort includes deploying troops and exporting various artillery systems such as shells, missiles, 170mm (about 6.7 inches) self-propelled guns, and 240mm (about 9.4 inches) multiple rocket launchers to Russia. In return, North Korea is receiving support for its military modernization initiatives. As the new artillery chief, Yoo is expected to oversee these efforts.
It is worth noting that Pak, currently the highest-ranking official in North Korea’s military hierarchy, also has a background in the General Staff’s Artillery Bureau.