Ri Yong Ho was appointed vice marshal and vice chairman of the National Defense Commission, the body considered the most powerful in North Korea.

WSJ: Dictator's Death Stokes Fears

As Chairman of the National Defense Commission and the Korean People's Army, Kim has overseen a system-wide reorganization of the military leadership over the past five years, an effort that has left him in unmodifiable control of the armed forces.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The House of Kim

The national flag fluttered across the city as North Korea marked the 20th anniversary of late leader Kim Jong Il's appointment as chairman of the National Defense Commission, and workers began preparing the city for the April 15 birthday of late President Kim Il Sung.

NPR: NKorea Urges Foreigners To Vacate South Korea