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Yun Dong-hyun, the former deputy minister of the People's Armed Forces who led North Korea's nuclear and missile development, has died. The Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim Jong-un expressed condolences over Yun's passing and sent a wreath on the 14th. Yun was a key figure who contributed to the advancement of North Korea's military technology and closely supported Kim Jong-un's military training and nuclear and missile development.
He frequently appeared in military activities, observing Kim Jong-un's artillery and missile test launches since the mid-2010s. Notably, in September 2016, he made threatening remarks about a powerful nuclear preemptive strike during a celebration for the country's fifth nuclear test. Although he experienced several demotions and promotions, it appears that he maintained a high-ranking position since 2015.
He is reported to have stepped back from frontline military duties after being included in the funeral committee for Kim Chol-man, a military expert from the anti-Japanese partisan background, in 2018. His death raises questions about the potential impact on North Korea's military and political situation.