Hyon Yong-chol, the North Korean Army chief has been demoted due to the recent defection of a North Korean soldier. A Photo of Hyon in his military suit was released on Oct. 10th on the 67th anniversary of the North Korean Workers Party by North Korean state media, in which he wears the insignia of four small stars.

 

Hyon succeeded Ri Yong-ho, who was displaced last July, and was promoted to vice marshal. A North Korean vice marshal wears one large star, while a general's insignia features four small stars.

 

A South Korean government official said, “It seems like Hyon’s demotion resulted from the soldier’s defection after killing two of his senior soldiers last Saturday. Some experts on North Korea believe, however, that Hyon will return to his original rank shortly.”

 

Source : The Chosun Ilbo