Afraid of Ukrainians? Kim Jong Un replaced three officials responsible for his security 0 7

The South Korean Ministry of Unification reported that three government agencies responsible for Kim Jong Un's security have new heads. The reshuffles were noticed during the military parade in October.

Changes in the command of bodyguards, which deals with security measures against drones or electronic attacks, may be related to the North Korean leader's decision to send troops to assist Russia, which has unleashed a war against Ukraine, believes Hong Min, an analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification.

"Changes in the security structure were detected since October 2024, when he sent North Korean troops to Russia," said Hong Min.

"He may have assumed that there could be an assassination attempt involving Ukrainians amid increased international attention due to the troop transfer."

According to analysts, the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro this month likely also heightened Pyongyang's security concerns.

The operation represents a nightmare scenario for the North Korean leadership, which has long feared a 'decapitation strike' and accuses Washington of seeking to remove it from power.

Seoul's spy agency previously stated that Kim Jong Un has raised the level of security around himself due to the risk of an assassination attempt on his life. According to the agency, in response, Kim Jong Un's office has purchased equipment capable of jamming communications and drone detection means.

Over the past year, Kim Jong Un has often been seen accompanied by his daughter Ju Ae at official events, including a recent inspection of a nuclear submarine. Analysts say she is likely to be next in line to manage the nuclear-armed dictatorship.