Cha Chol-ma explained

Hangul:	차철마
Rr:	Cha Cheolma
Mr:	Ch'a Ch'ŏlma
Context:	north

Cha Chol-ma (Korean: 차철마, born in Pyongyang, March 13, 1956) is a North Korean businessman believed to be one of the wealthiest individuals in the country.^{[1] [2]}

Cha reportedly worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the past.^[1] Cha held senior positions within the Supreme People’s Assembly from 2012 until around 2015 or 2016.^[2]

Cha reportedly monopolized foreign currency businesses run by the Supreme People's Assembly, earning more than US$10,000,000.^{[1] [3]} He has overseen business developments in Pakistan and the People's Republic of China, as well as domestic economic and infrastructure projects.^[2]

Cha is the son-in-law of Ri Je-gang, a North Korean politician close to Kim Jong-il.^{[1] [2]}

Notes and References

1. News: One of N. Korea's richest men said to serve in assembly hall . . February 19, 2012 . October 7, 2017.
2. Web site: The Richest Men in North Korea Not Named ‘Kim’ . . Brendon . Hong . October 8, 2017.
3. News: Five years into N. Korea’s market-friendly economy . . June 30, 2007 . October 7, 2017 . Cha Chol-ma, who has taken control of foreign currency acquisitions for the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly, is a son-in-law of Lee Je-kang, a deputy minister for the North’s Workers’ Party. Cha, whose income mainly comes from trade with China, is believed to have raised the bulk of his fortune, valued at more than US$10 million, on his own..