[1] Its officially mandated purpose is to conduct policy discussions and make decisions on major issues when the Politburo, a larger decision-making body, is not in session.

[1] As North Korea is a one-party state, the Presidium's decisions de facto have the force of law.

[2] Its role is roughly analogous to that of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party.

The Presidium was revitalized at the 3rd Conference, with four new members appointed: Kim Yong-nam (President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, head of state), Choe Yong-rim (Premier, head of government), Vice Marshal Jo Myong-rok (Director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army) and Vice Marshal Ri Yong-ho (Chief of the General Staff).

[3] The appointment of two military officers was considered by outside observers to be in line with Kim Jong Il's military-first politics.