Choe Yong-gon (Korean: 최용건; 1900 – September 19, 1976) was a prominent North Korean military officer and politician who held various high-ranking positions in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) from its founding until his death.
Born in Pyongan Province (present-day North Korea) during the Japanese occupation of Korea, Choe Yong-gon became involved in anti-Japanese resistance early in his life. He participated in the Chinese Communist Revolution and later joined Kim Il-sung's anti-Japanese guerrilla unit in Manchuria during the 1930s.
After the liberation of Korea in 1945, Choe played a crucial role in the establishment of the Korean People's Army (KPA) and the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). During the Korean War (1950-1953), he served as a senior military commander.
Following the armistice, Choe Yong-gon continued his ascent within the North Korean leadership. His key roles included:
- Minister of People's Armed Forces: He served as the DPRK's defense minister from 1953 to 1957, overseeing the military.
- Vice Premier: He held the position of Vice Premier in the Cabinet, a senior executive role.
- Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly: From 1957 to 1972, Choe served as the Chairman of the Supreme People's Assembly's Presidium, effectively making him the ceremonial head of state of North Korea. In this capacity, he represented the DPRK on international visits and received foreign dignitaries.
- Member of the Presidium of the Workers' Party of Korea: He was a long-standing member of the Politburo and its powerful Presidium, the highest decision-making body of the WPK, consistently ranking among the top leaders.
Choe Yong-gon was a close confidante and loyal supporter of Kim Il-sung throughout his career, often seen as a key figure in consolidating Kim's power and implementing his policies. He remained a respected figure in North Korean politics until his death in 1976. He was accorded a state funeral and buried in the Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery.