Kim Yong-chun

Kim Yong-chun (; 4 March 1936 – 16 August 2018) was a North Korean soldier and politician. He was a leader of the North Korean military. He held the North Korean military rank Chasu (Vice Marshal), was Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission of North Korea, and was Minister of People's Armed Forces (roughly corresponds to Minister of Defence in other countries). He held a minor post within the Workers Party.

Kim Yong-chun reappeared in the 1990s as he was promoted to general and director of the General Munitions Mobilization Bureau. He also oversaw the disbandment of the North Hamgyong Province's Sixth Army Corps, accused of corruption. In 1995, after O Jin-u's death, he was promoted to Vice Marshal and Chief of the KPA General Staff, a post he held until 2007, when he was appointed a vice-chairman of the National Defence Commission.

Kim Yong-chun was reputedly close to Kim Jong Il and a member of his court of aides.

He was replaced as Minister by Kim Jong-gak and appointed director of the WPK Civil Defense Department in April 2012.

Death Kim Yong-chun died on 16 August 2018 from myocardial infarction, aged 82. Many notable figures were involved on his funeral committee, including Kim Jong Un and Kim Yong-nam.

Awards and honors A frame with Kim's awards and honors was displayed during his funeral, showing all the decorations he had received.

80px Commemorative Order "40th Anniversary of Fatherland Liberation War Victory"

He also received multiple watches signed with Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il's signature.