Lee Kwon-mu

Lee Kwon-mu (1914–1986), a North Korean general during the Korean War, was born in Manchuria to Korean refugee parents. He joined the Chinese Communist Eighth Route Army, fighting against both Nationalist forces and the Imperial Japanese Army. Reports suggest he served as a Lieutenant in the Soviet Red Army during World War II and was a close associate of Kim Il Sung. After attending military school in the Soviet Union in 1948, Lee returned to North Korea and became the chief of staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA).

During the Korean War, Lee was personally appointed by Kim Il Sung to command the newly formed 4th Division, earning the rank of Major General. He led his division through several key battles, including the capture of Seoul in June 1950 and defeats of US forces at Osan and Pyongtaek. His division played a pivotal role in routing the US 24th Infantry Division at Taejon, after which Lee was awarded North Korea's highest military honors.

Lee's division faced significant challenges at the Pusan Perimeter, suffering heavy losses but managing to push back UN forces along the Naktong River. Despite these setbacks, Lee was promoted to Lieutenant General and assumed command of the NK I Corps, leading it through Chinese-led offensives in 1951.

After the war, Lee resumed his role as KPA chief of staff but was removed from this position by Kim Il Sung in 1959 during a purge of rival factions within the military. Lee then disappeared from public view.