North Korean media reported that Yoon Tong-hyon, former Deputy Defense Minister and a key military officer who played a significant role in the nuclear and missile programs, has died. Kim Jong Un expressed condolences and sent a wreath in tribute.
On 15 Sep 2026 GMT+7, North Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Yoon Tong-hyon, former North Korean Deputy Defense Minister and a key military figure involved in the development of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, has died. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed his deepest condolences on Yoon's death and sent a wreath to honor him.
The report stated that Yoon contributed to strengthening North Korea's military technological capabilities, having served in important roles within the defense industry for a long time. He was also a key military officer who closely accompanied Kim Jong Un during inspections of nuclear and missile development projects as well as multiple military exercises.
Yoon was appointed Deputy Director of the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces and frequently appeared alongside the North Korean leader in the mid-2010s as Kim observed multiple tests of multiple rocket launchers and missile systems. Following North Korea's fifth nuclear test in 2016, Yoon warned that North Korea was prepared to use nuclear weapons preemptively if adversaries moved to destroy the government's pride and power.
Source: Yonhap