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North Korea The State Administration Council
Since 1972 the highest administrative arm of the government
has been the State Administration Council. From 1948 to 1972, the
cabinet was the highest level of the executive branch. The 1972
constitution changed the name and role of the cabinet. The newly
named State Administration Council has a similar function to that
of the cabinet, but is directed by the president and the CPC. The
State Administration Council is composed of the premier
(chong-ri), vice premiers (bochong-ri), ministers
(boojang), committee chairmen, and other cabinet-level
members of central agencies. Among its duties, the council is
responsible for foreign affairs, national defense, public order
and safety, economic and industrial affairs, general government
operation, concluding treaties with foreign countries and
conducting external affairs, and safeguarding the rights of the
people. It also has the power to countermand decisions and
directives issued by subordinate organs. The formulation of state
economic development plans and measures for implementing them,
the preparation of the state budget, and the handling of other
monetary and fiscal matters also are under the council's
jurisdiction.
As of mid-1993, the State Administration Council, headed by
Premier Kang Song-san since December 1992, had ten vice premiers.
Vice premiers often concurrently are ministers or chairpersons of
cabinet-level commissions. Under the premier and vice premiers,
there are ministries, commissions, and other bodies of the State
Administration Council. Governmental responsibilities that
require coordination and a close working relationship among two
or more ministries are generally placed under a commission, whose
chairman usually holds the title of vice premier.
Data as of June 1993
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