Kim Jong Un Reappointed as President of State Affairs

North Korea’s parliament has reappointed leader Kim Jong Un as president of the State Affairs Commission, according to state media on Monday.

The announcement was made by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), which reported that the decision was taken during the first session of the country’s 15th Supreme People’s Assembly held on March 22.

State media said the re-election to the country’s top leadership position reflected the “unanimous will” of the people, reinforcing Kim’s continued grip on power.

Critics, however, maintain that elections in North Korea are tightly controlled and largely symbolic, aimed at projecting an image of democratic legitimacy.

Kim, who has led the nuclear-armed state since 2011 following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, is the third-generation ruler of the country founded in 1948 by his grandfather, Kim Il Sung.

Photos released from the session showed Kim seated prominently at the centre of the assembly hall, surrounded by senior officials, with large portraits of his father and grandfather displayed behind him.

Ahead of the session, authorities said 687 deputies were elected to the legislature, with voters presented a single candidate approved by the ruling party in each constituency.

State media reported near-total participation and approval rates, with turnout at 99.99 percent and 99.93 percent of votes cast in favour of the candidates.

Analysts suggest the latest parliamentary session could also consider constitutional amendments, including proposals to formally redefine relations with South Korea as those between “two hostile states.”

The meeting follows a major congress of the ruling party held last month, which set the tone for policy direction in the coming years.