North Korean state media delivered two recent surprises. First, the former number two in the military, Pak Jong Chon, accompanied Kim Jong Un on several inspections of military factories and other assets after disappearing for half a year. Then, the leader so sharply criticized premier Kim Tok Hun that his dismissal was expected – but that has yet to happen.

Reviewing state media on Pak reveals his quiet promotion and appointment to the post of director of the military guidance department during a Central Military Commission (CMC) meeting and likely reinstatement to the politburo through a secret, unannounced