12 Facts About Hyon Chol-hae

Hyon Chol-hae was a North Korean military officer and politician who was closely tied to the ruling Kim family.

Hyon Chol-hae served as Kim Il Sung's bodyguard during the Korean War and reported directly to Kim Jong Il as deputy director of the General Political Department.

Hyon Chol-hae died on 19 May 2022 from multiple organ failure.

Hyon Chol-hae received a state funeral, in which Kim Jong Un personally carried his casket.

Hyon Chol-hae was director of the General Logistics Department of the Korean People's Army from 1986 to 1995, when he was appointed deputy director of the General Political Department, becoming one of the most senior members of the North Korean military and political leadership.

Hyon Chol-hae was described as being in "close proximity" to Kim Jong Il, and as reporting directly to him.

Hyon Chol-hae was transferred to director of the Standing Bureau of the National Defence Commission.

Hyon Chol-hae was a member of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea from 1991 until his death.

Hyon Chol-hae was vital in securing the succession campaign for Kim Jong Un, having entrusted by Kim Jong Il with the upbringing of his chosen successor, effectively serving as a "political" mentor of Kim Jong Un.

Hyon Chol-hae was replaced as first vice-minister of defense by his predecessor as logistics director, Jon Chang-bok, in May 2013.

On 19 May 2022, Hyon Chol-hae died at the Ponghwa Clinic in Pyongyang from multiple organ failure at the age of 87.

Hyon Chol-hae's legacy in cementing Kim's rule is embellished in North Korean media, attesting his role in Kim Jong Un's succession preparations as "an outstanding revolutionary born of the Juche revolution and a skilled military politician".