Two top North Korean officials often described as rising stars and frequently seen by leader Kim Jong Un’s side at high-profile military events were promoted at Saturday’s Central Military Commission (CMC) meeting, the country’s state media reported Sunday.

Army General Pak Jong Chon was promoted to the rank of Vice Marshal by order of Kim Jong Un himself, the first official to be granted that title since 2016.

Separately elected to the position of vice-chairman of the CMC by members attending the meeting was Ri Pyong Chol, the first new official to take that job since 2012.

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