North Korea Elevates 'Reconnaissance General Bureau' to Independent Status to Oversees Collection of Intelligence on South and Overseas

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on the 10th that North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un directed the multi-faceted expansion of the duties and missions of the 'Reconnaissance General Bureau' during an enlarged meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Military Commission held the previous day. At the meeting, Chairman Kim expressed his determination to dramatically strengthen military reconnaissance and espionage capabilities.

The Reconnaissance General Bureau is understood to be an expansion and reorganization of the existing Reconnaissance Bureau under the General Staff. KCNA reported that the agency will now play a pivotal role in managing threats from potential enemies, including the U.S. and Japan, as well as neighboring countries, going beyond its previous focus on anti-South operations, and in collecting key information. It has not been revealed specifically how the bureau's mission will be expanded.

The Ministry of Unification stated that it will closely monitor trends in anti-South operations and external espionage activities resulting from the agency's expanded role, in coordination with related agencies.