5th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea

5th Central Committee
5th Central Committee
← 4th 6th →
	Emblem of the Workers' Party of North Korea
13 November 1970 – 14 October 1980; (9 years, 336 days); Overview
Type	Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea
Election	5th Congress
Leadership
General Secretary	Kim Il Sung
Political Committee	11 full; 4 candidates
Secretariat	10 members
Inspection organ	7 members
Members
Total	117
Candidates
Total	55

The 5th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) was elected at the 5th Congress on 13 November 1970.^[1] and remained in session until the election of the 6th Central Committee on 14 October 1980.^[2] In between party congresses and specially convened conferences the Central Committee is the highest decision-making institution in the WPK and North Korea.^[3] The Central Committee is not a permanent institution and delegates day-to-day work to elected bodies, such as the Political Committee, the Secretariat and the Inspection Committee in the case of the 5th Central Committee.^[4] It convenes meetings, known as "Plenary Session of the [term] Central Committee", to discuss major policies.^[5] Only full members have the right to vote, but if a full member cannot attend a plenary session, the person's spot is taken over by an alternate.^[5] Plenary session can also be attended by non-members, such meetings are known as "Enlarged Plenary Session", to participate in the committee's discussions.^[5]

Plenums

Plenum	Start–end	Length	Agenda of the plenum
1st Plenary Session	13 November 1970	1 day	1 item. Election of officers and apparatus heads of the 5th Central Committee.
2nd Plenary Session	19–23 April 1971	5 days	3 items. On the current international situation and Korean unification. On the technical revolution of orchard works and the current economic problems facing the country. On the WPK's guidance of health programs.
3rd Plenary Session	6–8 March 1962	2 days	3 items. On international problems. Report by Kim Il Sung, known as "Revolutionary Solidarity of the International Situation and the Emphasis on the Self-Reliant Unification of the Fatherland". Report by Kim Il on the system of technical revolution. On the production of consumer goods. Report by Pak Song-chol on strengthening labour discipline.
4th Plenary Session	1–6 July 1972	7 days	2 items. On the WPK's policy of peaceful unification Report by Kim Il Sung, known as "The General Unity Transcending the Differences in Thought, Ideologies, and Systems for the Self-Reliant and Peaceful Unification of the Fatherland without External Interference". On introducing ten-year compulsory education for middle and high schools. Report by Kim Il on how to implement aforementioned education reform.
5th Plenary Session	23–26 October 1972	4 days	2 items. Report by Kim Il-sung on the Constitution of North Korea. Report by Choe Chae-u on the 1973 economic plan. On reissuing of party identity cards.
6th Plenary Session	22–25 December 1972	4 days	2 items. On the Constitution of North Korea. Kim Il-sung talks about the important conclusions reached on the constitution.
7th Plenary Session	4–17 September 1973	14 days	2 items. On implementing the three revolutions decided by the 5th Congress. On enforcing the cost-accounting system in line with the Taean Work System. Report by Yang Hyong-sop.
8th Plenary Session	11–13 February 1974	3 days	2 items. On socialist construction. Report by Kim Il-sung. On the abolition of taxes and the reducing the price of manufactured goods.
9th Plenary Session	Not disclosed.	Not disclosed.	Not disclosed.
10th Plenary Session	11–17 February 1975	8 days	3 items. On the guidance work to implement The Three Revolutions as proposed by the great leader Kim Il-sung. On the Central Committee's proclamation on the 30th Anniversary of the WPK. Closing statement by Kim Il-sung.
11th Plenary Session	19–21 November 1975	3 days	2 items. Debate on the economic plan for 1976. Reports by the WPK Central Committee organs. Closing remarks by Kim Il-sung. The Plenary Sessions approves of Kim Il-sung's conclusions.
12th Plenary Session	11–14 October 1976	4 days	3 items. On the 1976 farming results. On the aim of producing 10 millions tons of grain ahead of time by realising the five-point policy. Closing statement by Kim Il-sung.
13th Plenary Session	4–6 April 1977	3 days	3 items. Debate on preventing drought damage through a mobilisation of the party, military and people. Reviewing the fulfilment of the decisions made at the 18th Plenary Session of the 4th Central Committee. Closing statement by Kim Il-sung.
14th Plenary Session	5–7 September 1977	3 days	2 items. Theses on Socialist Education. Speech by Kim Il-sung on the thesis; Discussion of theses by members of the 5th Central Committee.
15th Plenary Session	13 December 1977	1 day	3 items. Debate on the 2nd Seven Year-Plan. Report by Hong Song-yong, the Chairman of the State Planning Commission. On organisational matters. Closing address by Kim Il-sung.
16th Plenary Session	8 January 1978	1 day	2 items. Debate on the approval of a letter on behalf of the WPK Central Committee to all party members. Closing statement by Kim Il-sung.
17th Plenary Session	27–28 November 1978	4 days	2 items. On the 1979 economic plan. Closing address by Kim Il-sung.
18th Plenary Session	13–15 June 1979	3 days	1 item. Reviewing the fulfilment of the decisions made at the 13th Plenary Session of the 5th Central Committee.
19th Plenary Session	1–12 December 1979	12 days	3 items. On the economic plan for 1980. On mobilising the party, military and people to construct dams and build hydropower plants to avert flooding and boost electricity output. On the convening of the 6th Congress.

Members

Full

Rank	Name Hangul	Level of government (Offices held)	4th CC	6th CC	Inner-composition
Rank	Name Hangul	Level of government (Offices held)	4th CC	6th CC	5th POL	5th SEC	5th INS
1	Kim Il Sung	Central General Secretary of the WPK Central Committee	Old	Reelected	Member	Gen. Sec.	—
2	Choe Yong-gon	—	Old	Died	Member	Secretary	—
3	Kim Il	—	Old	Reelected	Member	Secretary	—
4	Pak Song-chol	—	Old	Reelected	Member	—	—
5	Choe Hyon	—	Old	Reelected	Member	—	—
6	Kim Yong-ju	—	Old	Demoted	Member	Secretary	—
7	O Chin-u	—	Old	Reelected	Member	Secretary	—
8	Kim Tong-gyu	—	Old	Demoted	Member	Secretary	—
9	So Chol	—	Old	Reelected	Member	—	—
10	Kim Chung-nin	—	Candidate	Reelected	Member	Secretary	—
11	Han Ik-su	—	Old	Demoted	Member	Secretary	—
12	Hyon Mu-gwang	—	Old	Reelected	Candidate	Secretary	—
13	Chong Chun-taek	—	Old	Demoted	Candidate	—	—
14	Yang Hyong-sop	—	New	Reelected	Candidate	Secretary	—
15	Kim Man-gum	—	Old	Reelected	Candidate	—	—
16	Nam Il	—	Old	Died	—	—	—
17	Choe Yong-jin	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
18	Hong Won-gil	—	Candidate	Demoted	—	—	—
19	Chong Kyong-hui	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
20	Kim Yo-jung	—	New	Demoted	—	—	Chairman
21	O Paek-yong	—	Old	Reelected	—	—	—
22	Chon Chang-chol	—	Old	Reelected	—	—	—
23	Chong Tong-chol	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
24	Hwang Sun-hui	—	Candidate	Reelected	—	—	—
25	Pak Yong-sun	—	Old	Reelected	—	—	—
26	Paek Nam-un	—	Old	Died	—	—	—
27	Choe Won-taek	—	Old	Died	—	—	—
28	Yu Chang-sik	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
29	Ho Tam	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
30	Kim Pyong-ha	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
31	Chon Mun-sop	—	Old	Reelected	—	—	—
32	Kim Hyok-chol	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
33	Yu Chong-suk	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
34	Yim Chun-chu	—	Old	Reelected	—	—	—
35	Kim Chwa-hyok	—	Old	Reelected	—	—	—
36	Chi Pyong-hak	—	Old	Demoted	—	—	—
37	Kim Tae-hong	—	Old	Demoted	—	—	—
38	Yim Chol	—	Old	Demoted	—	—	—
39	Tae Pyong-yol	—	Candidate	Reelected	—	—	—
40	Paek Hak-nim	—	Candidate	Reelected	—	—	—
41	Pak Mun-gyu	—	Old	Demoted	—	—	—
42	O Tong-uk	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
43	Pak Hak-se	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
44	Chu To-il	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
45	Yi Tu-ik	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
46	Yi Ul-sol	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
47	Kim Chol-man	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
48	O Chae-won	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
49	Chon Mun-uk	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
50	Choe In-dok	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
51	Kim Ik-hyon	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
52	Kang Hyon-su	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
53	Yi Yong-mu	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
54	Yi Kun-mo	—	Candidate	Reelected	—	—	—
55	Hong Si-hak	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
56	No Pyong-u	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
57	Yun Ki-bok	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
58	Choe Chae-u	—	Candidate	Reelected	—	—	—
59	Song Pok-ki	—	Candidate	Demoted	—	—	—
60	O Tae-bong	—	Candidate	Demoted	—	—	—
61	Kim Kuk-tae	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
62	Jong Jun-gi	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
63	Yon Hyong-muk	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
64	Pak Su-dong	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
65	Kang Song-san	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
66	Yi Pong-gil	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
67	Kim Song-ae	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
68	O Suk-hui	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
69	Yi Son-hwa	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
70	Yu Sun-hui	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
71	Choe Yun-su	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
72	Kang Hui-won	—	Old	Reelected	—	—	—
73	Kye Ung-tae	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
74	Pi Chang-nin	—	Old	Demoted	—	—	—
75	Chang Yun-pil	—	Candidate	Reelected	—	—	—
76	Hyon Chol-gyu	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
77	Choe Yong-nim	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
78	Han Yong-hak	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
79	Kim Hoe-il	—	Old	Reelected	—	—	—
80	Kim Yong-nam	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
81	Kim Yun-son	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
82	Kim Sok-hwan	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
83	Sim Kyong-chol	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
84	Yang Man-chol	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
85	Yi Chi-chan	—	Candidate	Reelected	—	—	—
86	Yu Sung-nam	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
87	Pae Sung-hyok	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
88	Choe Chang-gwon	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
89	Kim Chong-yong	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
90	Chon Chae-bong	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
91	Kim Chang-gwon	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
92	Pak Yong-sok	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
93	Kim Pyong-yul	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
94	Yi Kil-song	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
95	Yi Yong-ik	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
96	Yim Su-man	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
97	Yi Tong-chun	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
98	Kim I-hun	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
99	No Tae-sok	—	Candidate	Demoted	—	—	—
100	Kim Kyong-yon	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
101	Kim Su-duk	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
102	Hwang Chang-yop	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
103	Yi Myon-sang	—	Candidate	Reelected	—	—	—
104	Yang Kun-ok	—	Old	Demoted	—	—	—
105	Yom Tae-jun	—	Candidate	Reelected	—	—	—
106	Yi Min-su	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
107	Yi Kyong-sok	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
108	Kim Kye-hyon	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
109	O Kuk-yol	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
110	Kim Kuk-hun	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
111	Kim Si-hak	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—
112	Choe Chang-hwan	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
113	An Sung-hak	—	Candidate	Reelected	—	—	—
114	Yi Kon-il	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
115	Chon Yong-hui	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
116	Kim Nak-hui	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
117	Pak Hae-gwon	—	New	Demoted	—	—	—
118	Kim Chong-il	—	New	Reelected	—	—	—

Candidates

Rank	Name Hangul	4th CC	6th CC
Rank	Name Hangul	4th CC	6th CC	1	Cho Myong-son	New	Full
2	Kim Yong-yon	New	Candidate
3	Kim Song-guk	New	Demoted
4	Pak Son-gyun	New	Demoted
5	Kye Hyong-sun	New	Candidate
6	Kim Ung-sam	New	Candidate
7	Chon Ha-chol	New	Candidate
8	Son Song-pil	New	Demoted
9	Yim Hyong-gu	New	Full
10	Yi Rim-su	New	Demoted
11	Kim Ui-sun	New	Demoted
12	Yi Pong-won	New	Full
13	Pak Yong-sin	New	Demoted
14	Paek Pom-su	New	Full
15	Yi Si-won	New	Demoted
16	Sim Chang-wan	New	Full
17	Kim Chang-bok	New	Demoted
18	Son Kyong-jun	New	Full
19	Chon Pyong-ho	New	Full
20	Kim Hyong-bong	New	Candidate
21	Choe Chin-song	New	Full
22	Chu Kyu-chang	New	Candidate
23	Choe Chong-gon	Old	Demoted
24	Yang Chung-gyom	Old	Demoted
25	Kim Pyong-sam	Old	Demoted
26	Yi Chang-su	New	Demoted
27	Paek Son-il	Old	Demoted
28	Yi Hong-gyun	Old	Demoted
29	Kim Hong-gwan	Old	Demoted
30	Sin Chin-sun	New	Candidate
31	Chon Se-bong	New	Full
32	Kim Kwan-sop	Old	Full
33	O Yong-bang	New	Candidate
34	So Chang-nam	New	Demoted
35	Yi Pong-sop	New	Demoted
36	Pak Ki-so	New	Candidate
37	An Myong-chol	New	Demoted
38	Kim Chae-yong	New	Demoted
39	Kim Nung-il	New	Demoted
40	Yi Pong-gyom	New	Demoted
41	Hyon Chang-yong	New	Demoted
42	Chu Chang-bok	New	Candidate
43	Pak Chun-sik	New	Demoted
44	Kim Ki-son	New	Full
45	Yi Chol-bong	New	Candidate
46	Kim Kwang-guk	New	Demoted
47	O Kyong-hue	New	Demoted
48	Yi Chong-il	New	Demoted
49	Ho Chang-suk	New	Candidate
50	Wang Ok-hwan	New	Candidate
51	Chang Chol	New	Candidate
52	Kim Kum-ok	New	Demoted
53	Ho Yon-suk	New	Demoted
54	Yi Pil-song	New	Demoted
55	So Yun-sok	New	Full

References

Citations

^ Suh 1981, pp. 302–3.
^ Suh 1981, pp. 308–9.
^ Suh 1981, p. 271.
^ Suh 1981, pp. 271 & 329.
^ ^a ^b ^c Suh 1981, p. 277.

Sources

General

References for plenary sessions, apparatus heads, the Central Committee full- and candidate membership, Political Committee membership, Standing Committee membership, secretaries, Organisation Committee members, membership in the Inspection Commission, offices an individual held, retirement, if the individual in question is military personnel, female, has been expelled, is currently under investigation or has retired:

Suh, Dae-sook (1981). Korean Communism 1945–1980: A Reference Guide to the Political System (1st ed.).
ISBN 0-8248-0740-5
.} Information on the meeting dates of the plenary sessions, their official name, the meeting agenda and meeting decisions.

Suh, Dae-sook (1981). Korean Communism 1945–1980: A Reference Guide to the Political System (1st ed.).
ISBN 0-8248-0740-5
.} Information on the composition of the Central Committee and the composition of the elected bodies of the Central Committee.

Suh, Dae-sook (1981). Korean Communism 1945–1980: A Reference Guide to the Political System (1st ed.).
ISBN 0-8248-0740-5
.} Information on the composition of the Supreme People's Assembly and it's Standing Committee.

Suh, Dae-sook (1981). Korean Communism 1945–1980: A Reference Guide to the Political System (1st ed.).
ISBN 0-8248-0740-5
.} Information on the composition of the 5th Government of the DPRK.

Suh, Dae-sook (1981). Korean Communism 1945–1980: A Reference Guide to the Political System (1st ed.).
ISBN 0-8248-0740-5
. A list of every minister that served in the DPRK government since its inception until 1980.

Bibliography

Suh, Dae-sook (1981). Korean Communism 1945–1980: A Reference Guide to the Political System (1st ed.).
ISBN 0-8248-0740-5
.

[FOOTNOTESuh1981302–3-1] Suh 1981, pp. 302–3.

[FOOTNOTESuh1981308–9-2] Suh 1981, pp. 308–9.

[FOOTNOTESuh1981271-3] Suh 1981, p. 271.

[FOOTNOTESuh1981271_&_329-4] Suh 1981, pp. 271 & 329.

[FOOTNOTESuh1981277-5] Suh 1981, p. 277.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

Leaders		Pak Hon-yong (1945) Kim Yong-bom (1945) Kim Il Sung (1945–1946) Kim Tu-bong (1946–1949) Kim Il Sung (1949–1994) Vacant (1994–1997) Kim Jong Il (1997–2011) Vacant (2011–2012) Kim Jong Un (2012–present)
Decision-making bodies	Presidium Politburo (General Secretary and Secretary) Secretariat Central Military Commission Central Auditing Commission
Departments and offices	Organisation and Guidance Department Propaganda and Agitation Department Cadres Department Light Industry Department Economic Affairs Science and Education Department International Department Military Department Machine-Building Industry Working Organisation Department Agriculture Department Party History Institute Document Archives Civil Defense Department Appeals Office Finance Accounting Department General Affairs Department United Front Department Office 39
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Congress	CPK / CPSK (1945) WPNK / WPSK (1946) 2nd (1948) 3rd (1956) 4th (1961) 5th (1970) 6th (1980) 7th (2016) 8th (2021)
Conference	1st (1958) [ko] 2nd (1966) 3rd (2010) 4th (2012)
CC plenums	1st Joint Plenum, 2nd CC (1949) 12th Plenum, 2nd CC (1953) 2nd Plenum, 3rd CC (1956) 14th Plenum, 4th CC (1966) 15th Plenum, 4th CC (1967)

Presidium	1st WPNK / WPSK (1946) 2nd (1948) 3rd—none (1956) 4th (1961) 5th (1970) 6th (1980) 7th (2016) 8th (2021)
Politburo	CPK (1945) NKBB (1945) 1st WPNK / WPSK (1946) 2nd (1948) 3rd (1956) 4th (1961) 5th (1970) 6th (1980) 7th (2016) 8th (2021)
Secretariat	CPK (1945) 4th (1966) 5th (1970) 6th (1980) 7th (2016) 8th (2021)
Central Committee	CPK (1945) NKBB (1945) 1st WPNK / WPSK (1946) 2nd (1948) 3rd (1956) 4th (1961) 5th (1970) 6th (1980) 7th (2016) 8th (2021)
Auditing Commission	1st WPNK / WPSK (1946) 2nd (1948) 3rd (1956) 4th (1961) 5th (1970) 6th (1980) 7th (2016) 8th (2021)
Military Commission	4th (1962) 5th (1970) 6th (1980) 7th (2016) 8th (2021)
Control Commission	1st WPNK / WPSK (1946) 2nd (1948) 3rd (1956) 4th (1961) 5th (1970) 6th (1980) 7th (2016)
Organisation Committee	CPK (1945) 1st (1946) 2nd (1948) 3rd (1956)