The president of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea () was the head of state of North Korea from 1972 to 1998. The position was only occupied by Kim Il Sung from 1972 until his death in 1994. Aside from being president, Kim was also the General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, Chairman of the National Defence Commission (until 1993) and Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army (until 1991).
Following his death in 1994, the position remained vacant until 1998; his son Kim Jong Il was not given the title to succeed him. A constitutional amendment in 1998 named Kim Il Sung as the eternal president and abolished the position.
Election The 1972 Constitution stated that the president was elected by the Supreme People's Assembly for a term of four years.Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (1972), Article 90 A constitutional amendment in 1992 increased the president's term to five years which coincides with the term of the Supreme People's Assembly.Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (1992), Article 106
The constitution did not set a limit on how many times the president may be re-elected, nor did it define a line of succession, or even who would be acting president if the President is unavailable or the office of President is vacant.
Powers The 1972 Constitution stated that the president was the head of state who represents the state's power.Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (1972), Article 89
The president was the head of the Central People's Committee which was primarily responsible for setting North Korea's domestic policies.Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (1972), Article 101Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (1972), Article 103 In necessary cases, the president could also have guided the meetings of the Administration Council.Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (1972), Article 92
The president had the power to control the country's armed forces as the supreme commander of the armed forces and the chairman of the National Defense Commission.Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (1972), Article 93
The president had the power to nominate the Vice President or Vice Presidents, the secretary general and members of the Central People's Committee and the Premier, who were then to be elected by the Supreme People's Assembly.Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (1972), Article 76
The president promulgated the ordinances of the Supreme People's Assembly, the decrees of the Central People's Committee and the decisions of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly.Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (1972), Article 94 The president was also given the power to introduce agenda items in the sessions of the Supreme People's Assembly and to issue orders.Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (1972), Article 80
The president had the power to ratify or nullify international treaties.Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (1972), Article 96 The president was also tasked with receiving letters of credentials or recall from foreign ambassadors.Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (1972), Article 97
The president had the power to exercise the power of special pardon.Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (1972), Article 95
The 1992 amendment of the 1972 Constitution introduced changes to the powers of the president. The amendment no longer made it possible for the president to automatically become the chairman of the National Defense Commission, who was tasked with the control of the country's armed forces.
The president's power to conclude international treaties was transferred to the Central People's Committee.Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (1992), Article 120 Instead, the president was tasked with promulgating ratified or nullified international treaties.Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (1992), Article 107
The president was given the additional power to appoint or recall the country's ambassadors and ministers to other countries, which was a power that previously belonged to the Central People's Committee.
In practice, Kim derived most of his power from his post as leader of the WPK.
List of presidents No. PortraitNameTerm of officePartySPA1Kim Il Sung김일성 1972 1994Workers' Party of Korea 5th6th7th8th9thVacant(8 July 1994–5 September 1998)
See also Vice President of North Korea General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea
References