A string of elite absences, sudden reshuffles and quiet demotions suggest that Kim Jong Un is deep into a sweeping purge of top party and military officials — a campaign that appears aimed at both consolidating loyalty ahead of a major party congress and shoring up public support through a high-profile crackdown.

The unexplained disappearance of key figures like propaganda chief Ri Il Hwan and the surprise promotion of longtime loyalist Pak Thae Song to premier point to a behind-the-scenes reckoning that spans from North Korea’s propaganda machine to its economic command and military leadership.