May 2017 saw Kim Jong Un’s highest proportion of reported appearances at military-related sites of his tenure so far, mostly connected to the country’s record testing of new, “indigenously developed” missiles.

Leading figures in the missile program were celebrated by Kim Jong Un for their part in the DPRK’s achievements. Through the use of NK Pro’s extensive databases, we can chart the rise of these figures: some are from the old guard who rose to senior leadership under Kim Jong Il, some are rising stars promoted under Kim Jong Un.