Flag of the Korean People’s Army (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A dozen or so hours ago, Kim Jong-Un promoted a little known General in the North Korean Army to a Vice-Marshal. The General, named Hyon Yong Chol, will replace a certain Former Gen. Ri Yong Ho. Ho was removed from his post and fired from all government posts late yesterday. Earlier in the week, Ho stood beside Kim Jong-Un at an appearance in Pyongyang, but yesterday he supposedly contracted “an illness” according to North Korean media. Why he was fired from the military and government remains unknown, but many claim he was purged due to his growing influence within the government. Some claim also that this may be the first of many purges of Kim Jong-Un to eliminate any and all political opposition in North Korea.

Also mysterious is the sudden promotion of North Korean General  Hyon Yong Chol to Vice-Marshal. Although there are several Vice-Marshals in North Korea, it gives to those holding the title eligibility for key posts in the upper echelons of the North Korean Government. Not much is known about Gen. Chol as of the date, but there is speculation that he may be one of Jong-Un’s most prominent advisers. There was never any sign of interaction, rivalry or distaste between Chol or Ho, which promotes the theory of government intervention. Several questions remain though. How will Chol use his new position of power? Will these supposed purges continue? Where did Former Gen. Ho disappear to? Due to the secrecy of North Korea, there is the chance, that these questions may never be answered.