North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may inherit the title of president, used by the late founder of the state and his grandfather Kim Il-sung, at the parliamentary session after the upcoming key party congress. This was reported by South Korea's Yonhap news agency, citing an American website that monitors North Korea.
The website "38 North Korea" is assessing the possibility that Pyongyang may restore the title "president of the DPRK" for the incumbent leader on the occasion of the ninth party congress and the subsequent session of the Supreme People's Assembly. North Korea has called Kim Jong-un "head of state" since September 2024, which could mean a change in the regime's structural system.
The title "president of the DPRK" was used by Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-un's late grandfather, from 1972 until his death in 1994. An article in the 1972 constitution states that "The President of the DPRK is the head of state and represents the national sovereignty of the DPRK." In 1998, North Korea revised the constitution and abolished the presidency, allowing the founder's son, Kim Jong-il, to rule the nation with the title of Chairman of the National Defense Commission.
Given North Korea's "calibrated" approach to such leadership titles, if North Korea were to reintroduce the title of president and appoint Kim Jong-un to the role, "the implications could extend beyond prestige or ceremonial elevation," for Kim, "38 North Korea" believes.
North Korea is preparing for its ninth party congress, expected to be held this month, to outline major policies in diplomacy, defense and the economy for the next five years.