North Korea’s state media machine made a small mistake last month, leading to an unprecedented rollout of a revised Rodong Sinmun within hours.

Early on Aug. 21, state media reported that Kim Jong Un visited the terraced river apartment project in Pyongyang, where three high-ranking officials welcomed him: Jong Sang Hak, Jo Yong Won and Ri Hi Yong. That Jo was listed after Jong on the front page of the Rodong Sinmun caught the attention of more than a few North Korea watchers, as it signaled a possible demotion. 

Within hours, however, North Korean propagandists