Who is North Korea`s new Vice Marshal Hyon Yong Chol?

North Korea on Tuesday promoted Hyon Yong Chol to the powerful rank of vice marshal.

Hyon, 61, is largely unknown but he is known to be commander of the 8th Corps of the North Korean People’s Army, which defends areas from north of Pyongyang up to the North`s border with China.

A government source in South Korea said, “Nothing is known about Hyon’s place of birth, education and family relations, so we need to check.”

Considering the timing of his recent promotion, place of duty and records of achievements, Hyon is considered to be strongly trusted by the North`s young leader Kim Jong Un.

Hyon was promoted to four-star general and appointed to the central committee of the ruling North Korean Workers’ Party in September 2010, when Kim was promoted to a four-star general. This suggests that Hyon is a close aide to Kim from the military but has remained under wraps.

Following his promotion to full general, Hyon reportedly took over the 8th Corps, which had been led by Lt. Gen. Kim Song Kyu since 1993. The corps is a unit completely different from the Special 8th Corps, which is also known as the “storm corps.”

The 8th Corps’ main mission is to defend the northern outskirts of Pyongyang, which is considered the “heart of the Democratic People`s Republic of Korea,” and guard the west coast and border with China.

Hyon earned the Kim Jong Il Order of Merit,” which was reinstated in February, to commemorate Kwangmyongsong Day, or Kim Jong Il’s birthday, along with Kim Jong Un’s relatives including uncle Jang Sung Taek and aunt Kim Kyong Hui as well as Kim Ok, who was the consort of the leader`s late father.