North Korea

North Korea's elite power structure has undergone radical change over the past six years, according to a South Korean government document, with leader Kim Jon Il replacing 26 of his 30 closest officials in ministries and the military since the government was inaugurated in 1998. Kim's policy of 'military first' has supported the rise of military figures to the inner circle, while economic officials have gained power because of their involvement with the country's economic reform programme. However, analysis of media reports suggests Kim now prefers to travel with government technocrats, and reluctance to reveal identity of his entourage on

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