Friday, August 28, 2020

Where Is North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un’s Younger Sister, Kim Yo Jong?



New York Post: Kim Jong Un’s sister vanishing from public view could signal power shift: expert

Kim Jong Un’s younger sister, Kim Yo Jong, has vanished from public view in what could be another sign that she’s taken more control in the regime, an expert said.

The North Korean despot’s sister, who not been spotted since July 27, may be lying low to offset speculation that he ceded some of his authority to her, the South Korean outlet Chosun Ilbo reported.

Her absence comes as South Korean spies revealed that she now serves as his “de facto second-in-command,” though she has not been designated his successor.

“In the past, anyone was deprived of their position the moment they were described as the No. 2 person in the North,” Korea University Professor Nam Sung-wook told the newspaper.

“There must be a semblance of checks and balances, although Kim Yo Jong is a family member.”

Read more ....

Update: What is Kim Yo Jong's exact role in North Korean politics? Top South Korean officials appear divided (CNN)

WNU Editor: I pointed out 6 years ago that she is the most import person in Kim Jong-un's orbit .... Report: Kim Jong-Un's Younger Sister Has Taken Control Of North Korea (October 1, 2020). Her role and importance has not changed when I made that observation. She does not care about being in public or placating what international observers want to see. Her role is to play a shadow to her brother, to be a gate-keeper to those who want to see him, and to observe those who are interacting with her brother. She will also play the role of being envoy for her brother when the need arises. When she is in public she has more bodyguards than anyone else, with the exception of her brother. And yes. She is the second most powerful person in North Korea.

1 comment:

  1. I would think it's unusual for Kim to publicly announce his sister's new responsibilities instead of it merely being an understood thing. Makes it much more difficult for Kim to disavow any of his sister's actions if he needs to.

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