By Hong Soon-do, Beijing correspondent, AsiaToday - It has been revealed that the hydrogen bomb test conducted by North Korea early this year was led by an elderly trio: nuclear physicist So Sang-guk, logistician Jon Pyong-ho, and military general O Kuk-ryol. It seems clear that 77-year-old So Sang-guk, who studied in Russia and went back to North Korea after perfectly acquiring related technologies in the early 60s, was one of the key figures that led North Korea's nuclear development.

Former North Korean leader KimJong-il poses with related workers at a missile base in North Hamgyong Province.The photo is taken in 2009. The man on the left of Kim Jong-il is known to beprof. So Sang-guk./ Source from China Youth Daily

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Such assertion is not an exaggeration considering Jan. 9th reports of Chinese media outlets China Youth Daily. In fact, it seems true to a certain extent, considering North Korea sources in Beijing. Most of all, So Sang-guk's background shows well that it is true. As soon as he returned from Russia after studying, he was appointed a professor of Kim Il Sung University's Department of Nuclear Physics. He kept up his study while boasting his unrivaled authority. He was one of the few scientists who were close with former North Korean leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. He also took the lead in arranging a deal to import nuclear parts. As a result, he was one of the financial sanction target of the EU in 2009.

Former secretary Jon Pyong Ho, who had died at the age of 84 in July 2014, was  another key member of North Korea's nuclear development. He is known to have made a significant contribution to introduce uranium enrichment program through negotiations with Dr. Khan, the father of Pakistan's nuclear program.

85-year-old general O Kuk-ryol can be seen in the same context. Following Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il's wishes, he emphasized importance of nuclear development within the military, and provided much support to scientists. He was named in U.S sanctions against North Korea's weapons programme in 2013.