Kim Pong-chol

In August 1994, he was named vice-minister of commerce, and was promoted to minister of commerce in September 1998.[1] At that time, these positions were under the Politburo (정무원). However, the 1998 Constitution of North Korea eliminated these positions. In October 1998 he was transferred to the position of vice-chairman of the central committee of the China–North Korea Friendship Association. In July 2001, he became vice-director of the Pyongyang People's Service Commission (인민봉사총국), and was promoted to director in August 2002. In February 2007 he was named vice-minister of the Cabinet Secretariat (내각사무국). In 2008, he was again named Minister of Commerce. In October 2008, he also served as a member of the funeral committee for Pak Song-chol. In April 2009, he was named a member of the 12th Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, while retaining his position as Minister of Commerce.[1] He accompanied Choe Yong-rim on his visit to China in September 2011.[2]

Kim was reported to have died in a helicopter crash on Sundo Island, Cholsan County, North Pyongan Province. He was on his way to deliver gifts to local residents in honour of the late Kim Jong-il's birthday. However, during landing, the tail of the helicopter struck a rock, leading to the crash. A television crew was able to escape from the wreckage, but Kim did not and was caught in the ensuing explosion.[3]