1. Overview
Kye Ung-thae (계응태Korean; February 25, 1925 - November 23, 2006) was a prominent North Korean politician who served in numerous high-ranking positions within the Workers' Party of Korea and the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Throughout his extensive career, Kye Ung-thae played a significant role in the nation's political landscape, particularly as a key figure in the consolidation of the Kim Jong-il regime, contributing to its stability and institutional framework within North Korea's authoritarian system. His service spanned decades, encompassing roles such as Vice Premier of North Korea, Minister of Trade, and Party Secretary for Public Security, solidifying his position as a close aide to the leadership.
2. Early Life and Education
Kye Ung-thae was born on February 25, 1925, in Pyeongwon-gun, South Pyongan Province, which was then part of Japanese Korea. While primarily growing up in his hometown of Pyeongwon-gun, he spent a brief period of his infancy in Daedong-gun, also in South Pyongan Province. His educational background included studies at the Soviet High Party School, from which he graduated. Additionally, Kye Ung-thae pursued higher education at Nammanju University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Economy.
3. Career and Political Activities
Kye Ung-thae's political career began in the early 1950s and steadily progressed through various influential positions within the Workers' Party of Korea and the North Korean government.
In 1951, he was appointed as the Head of the International Department of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee. He later became the Vice Director of the same department in May 1957. Kye Ung-thae transitioned into governmental roles, serving as the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in February 1960, and subsequently as the Vice Minister of Trade in February 1962.
His involvement in international economic affairs continued with his appointment as the Vice Chairman of the International Trade Promotion Committee in 1963, and he was promoted to Chairman of the committee in April 1967. In October 1967, he assumed the position of Minister of Trade. In November of the same year, he was elected as a Deputy to the 4th Supreme People's Assembly.
Kye Ung-thae's influence within the Party expanded when he became a member of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee in November 1970. He briefly reassumed the role of Minister of Trade in December 1972. By December 1975, he was appointed Vice Premier of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, a role he officially commenced on December 11, 1976, and held until 1983. In January 1977, he concurrently served as both Vice Premier and Minister of Trade.
A significant promotion came in October 1980, when he was named a member of the Politburo of the WPK Central Committee, solidifying his status within the Party's top leadership. In August 1983, he took on the regional leadership role as the Responsible Secretary of the South Pyongan Province Party Committee.
In November 1985, Kye Ung-thae was appointed Party Secretary for Public Security within the WPK Central Committee. This appointment was further formalized in February 1986, at the 11th Plenary Session of the 6th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, where he, along with Ri Kun-mo and Kim Hwan, was appointed as a secretary of the secretariat specifically in charge of public security. In November 1986, he was re-elected as a Deputy to the 8th Supreme People's Assembly. In December 1986, he also became the Chairman of the Supreme People's Assembly Legislative Committee. He again became a member of the Party's Politburo in March 1988. Kye Ung-thae continued his service as a Deputy to the Supreme People's Assembly for its 9th term in 1990 and its 10th term in 1998, demonstrating his enduring presence in North Korean political life.
4. Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Kye Ung-thae received significant recognition from the North Korean government. He was awarded the prestigious Order of Kim Il-sung on two separate occasions: in April 1982 and again in April 1992, highlighting his esteemed status within the regime.
5. Role and Influence
Kye Ung-thae was regarded as a close aide to Kim Jong-il within the Workers' Party of Korea's officialdom, playing a crucial role in the political system. He is widely assessed to have undertaken important responsibilities in the establishment and consolidation of the Kim Jong-il regime, contributing to the authoritarian system's stability. His involvement in key political events and public pronouncements further underscored his influence.
Notable public engagements include:
- On July 26, 1994, he delivered a commemorative report on the 41st anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War, commonly known as the Korean War.
- On August 2, 1994, he presented a central report marking the 20th anniversary of Kim Jong-il's contributions and leadership, further solidifying the leader's ideological standing.
- On February 15, 1995, Kye Ung-thae gave a report celebrating Kim Jong-il's birthday, an important event in the North Korean political calendar.
6. Death
Kye Ung-thae died on November 23, 2006, at the age of 81 years. His death was attributed to lung cancer.