The unusual changes in the North Korean dictator's personal security detail might be down to concerns of possible assassination following Pyongyang's involvement in Russia's war in Ukraine, while the US operation to capture Venezuela's Maduro made him fear a "decapitation strike," analysts say.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un replaced three top officials in charge of his personal security, South Korea said Tuesday, suggesting the leader may fear assassination attempts.
Seoul's Unification Ministry said three state agencies handling Kim's security had new bosses. The reshuffle was spotted during a military parade in October.
The changes at the Bodyguard Command, which handles security measures against drone or electronic attacks, could be linked to Kim's decision to send troops to aid Russia's war in Ukraine, said Hong Min, analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification.
"Change in the pattern of Kim's security detail was detected from October 2024, when he deployed North Korean troops to Russia," Hong said.
"He could have judged there could be an assassination attempt against him involving Ukrainians amid heightened international spotlight due to the deployment."
The United States' capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro this month has also likely heightened security fears in Pyongyang, analysts say.
The operation represents a nightmare scenario for North Korea's leadership, which has long feared a "decapitation strike" and accused Washington of seeking to remove it from power.
Seoul's spy agency previously said Kim upgraded security levels around him due to risks of attempts on his life. Kim's office sought equipment capable of jamming communications and drone detection gear in response, the agency said.
Kim has often been seen over the past year accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae on official duties including a recent inspection of a nuclear-powered submarine. Analysts say she is likely next in line to run the nuclear-armed dictatorship.