Col. Gen. Kim Yong Bok and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a visit to a special forces base in September. Photo: kcna/ReutersKim Yong Bok has often been seen clutching a pen and notepad while standing alongside North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. His role leading North Korea’s special forces required him to keep a low profile to conceal his identity. Gen. Kim was mentioned in state media in 2015 when he was promoted to lead North Korea’s special forces. Gen. Kim was among the roughly 500 North Korean officers sent to Russia, according to Ukrainian and South Korean officials.

Source: Wall Street Journal November 20, 2024 08:56 UTC