Choe Yong-rim facts for kids

Choe Yong-rim (Chosŏn'gŭl: 최영림, born in 1930) is a well-known politician from North Korea. He served as the country's Premier (like a prime minister) from June 2010 to April 2013. He was also an important member of the Workers' Party of Korea, which is the main political party in North Korea. People have described him as someone who was very close to the party and even a friend of the family of Kim Jong-il, who was the country's leader. Today, he holds an honorary position in the Supreme People's Assembly, which is North Korea's parliament.

Choe Yong-rim's Early Life and Education

Choe Yong-rim joined the Korean People's Army in July 1950. He went to several important schools, including Mangyongdae Revolutionary School and Kim Il-sung University in North Korea. He also studied at Moscow University in Russia. He trained to be an electrical engineer.

Choe Yong-rim's Political Career

After finishing his studies, Choe Yong-rim held many different jobs in the North Korean government and the Workers' Party of Korea since the 1950s. He worked as an instructor and director in various departments of the party's Central Committee. He also served as a vice-premier in the government and was in charge of the Central Public Prosecutors Office.

From 2005 to 2009, he was the secretary general of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly. In 2009, he became the chief secretary for the Pyongyang City Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea. He held this important role in the capital city.

Becoming Premier of North Korea

Choe Yong-rim was chosen to be the Premier of North Korea on June 7, 2010. This happened during a meeting of the Supreme People's Assembly. He took over from Kim Yong-il.

Some people believed that the previous premier, Kim Yong-il, was removed from his position because of some economic challenges that happened in 2010. It was reported that Kim Yong-il apologized publicly before he stepped down. Other government ministers were also replaced around this time. Many experts thought these changes helped to calm public concerns and also prepared the way for Kim Jong-un, the leader's youngest son, to take over leadership later.

In September 2010, Choe Yong-rim was also elected as an important member of the 5-member 6th Presidium of the Workers' Party of Korea. His adopted daughter, Choe Son-hui, later became the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Choe Yong-rim's Time as Premier

As Premier, Choe Yong-rim was involved in important government activities. For example, in February 2011, North Korean media reported that he visited a construction site. This was a notable event because it was one of the first times the media showed a leader, other than the Supreme Leader, doing a solo inspection.

On April 1, 2013, Choe Yong-rim was replaced as Premier by Pak Pong-ju. This change happened as the country decided to focus on a new plan to build both its economy and military at the same time. After stepping down as Premier, Choe Yong-rim was given the title of honorary vice-president of the SPA Presidium.