Career
In March 2014 he was elected to the Supreme People"s Assembly during the 2014 Supreme People's Assembly election. During the same month, he was identified as the first vice-director of the party organization department. On April 28, 2014 Korean Central News Agency reported that the Central Military Commission of the Workers" Party of of Korea and National Defense Commission promoted Hwang to the rank of vice marshal in the Korean People's Army on April 26.
He was first seen wearing the four stars of a full general on April 15, meaning he moved up two ranks – from colonel general in a short time.
Later on May 1 he was revealed to be the new chief of the General Political Bureau of the KPA, considered the senior most position in the military after the supreme commander. On September 25 he also replaced former Number.
2 Choe Ryong-hae in his last military capacity as first vice-chairman of the National Defence Commission. Hwang Pyong-so is seen as a key aide to Kim Jong-un.
On 18 February 2015 he was elevated to the top Political Bureau Presidium during a Political Bureau meeting.
Hwang"s appearance at the closing ceremony of the 2014 Asian Games in the absence of Kim Jong-un, and his subsequent trip to South of Korea, has led to speculation in the Western press about his current role within the North Korean government.
