As the whole Kim Jong-un furore rises to an all-time high, observers have posed the ever-pertinent question to the government and masses alike:
“Who will succeed the throne if Kim Jong-un is indeed, as reports seem to indicate, in a precarious situation wherein death seems to be likely?”
Almost in response, two candidates have been drafted up by the media as the most likely candidates: Kim Jong-un’s older brother Kim Jong-chol, who was once passed over by his father in terms of successor selection, and Kim Jong-un’s younger sister Kim Yo-jong, who’s considered to be the most powerful woman in North Korea according to a 2019 National Interest Investigation.
While Kim Jong-chol would be the most natural heir to take power considering his age and gender, he has been considered “too girlish” to lead:
As such, should patriarchy not come into play, Kim Yo-jong will be the most likely to succeed the current supreme leader’s position, considering how she has previously served as chief of staff and confidante to Kim Jong-un.
And so the all-important question beckons;
Who exactly is Kim Jong-un’s mysterious and capable sister…
And could she become even greater of a threat than Kim Jong-un himself?
Kim Yo-Jong: 10 Facts About Kim Jong-un’s Sister Who Could Be the Next Supreme Leader of North Korea
1. Profile
Born 26 September 1987, Kim yo-jong is the youngest daughter of former supreme leader Kim Jong-il, and younger sister of current supreme leader Kim Jong-un.
The youngest child and only daughter of Kim Jong-il and his consort, the Japanese-born dancer Ko Yong-hui, Kim Yo-jong is believed to have been doted on by her father, having been nicknamed “sweet, sweet Yo-jong” and “Princess Jo Yang” in the royal household.
Kim Yo Jong as a girl: this is the earliest photo we have of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister, taken while she was at school in Switzerland. pic.twitter.com/LrDFgGBzdt
— Anna Fifield (@annafifield) February 8, 2018
But before you get taken in by her seemingly sweet, photogenic demeanor, you might want to read through the next point.
2. Former Chief Of Staff
Kim Jong-un might have stolen the hearts of people with his cold, ruthless methods that seek to ensure the longevity of North Korea’s dictator dynasty, but as far as accolades and resume-worthy positions are concerned, Kim yo-jong is not exactly falling short.
According to reports, Kim yo-jong has served as chief of staff and confidante to her older brother. She’s also said to have driven the development of her brother’s cult of personality, one that’s modeled after their grandfather Kim II-sung.
Thae Yong-ho, a North Korean defector and former diplomat, said in 2017 that Kim Yo-jong had planned all major public events in the country and advised her brother to cultivate an image of a “man of the people”.
In October 2014, she’s believed to have even assumed state duties for her ailing brother, when the latter went for medical treatment. And in 2017, she was instilled as an alternate member of the politburo, only the second woman to be part of this decision-making body.
In 2019, she was elected to the Supreme Peoples’ Assembly during the 2019 North Korean parliamentary election, and was part of her brother’s team during the 2018 North Korea-United States Singapore Summit and the 2019 North Korea-United States Hanoi Summit.
3. And Her Influence Is Recognised For What It’s Worth
Kim Yo-jong has risen in power since her teenage years, and it’s a notion not only recognisable in North Korea, but also internationally.
In 2019, Kim was considered to be the most powerful woman in North Korea according to a 2019 National Interest Investigation.
She’s also widely considered to be North Korea’s second-in-command, though other reports might suggest that senior official Choe Ryong-hae is, in fact, the actual second-in-command.
4. She’s Close To Her Brother
Kim Yo-jong’s believed to share a close relationship with the current Supreme Leader, due to “shared isolated years while studying together in Switzerland from 1996 to 2000, and in North Korea, where social and emotional isolation appears to have been a defining force in their early lives”.
It’s believed that their father Kim Jong-II had wished to bring the children up without the influence of their grandfather Kim II-sung.
5. First Public Appearance
Kim Yo-jong first appeared in public at a photo session for participants at the 3rd conference of the WPK in September 2010. She would go on to receive widespread publicity during the funeral service for Kim Jong-il in December 2011.
In recent years, she has been spotted more frequently in the public eye.
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6. Education
While reports are largely speculative due to the secretive nature of the state, Kim Yo-jong’s rumoured to have studied at the Kim II-sung Military University after her return from Switzerland.
She’s believed to have also pursued computer science at Kim II-sung University.
7. Personal Life
In January 2015, Kim Yo-jong is believed to have married Choe Song, the second son of a government official.
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Her husband’s identity, though speculated, has never been confirmed.
In May 2015, she was reportedly expecting a child.
In 2018, she’s believed to be carrying her second child.
Yeah, no one knows for sure. It’s North Korea after all.
8. Aptitude For Politics
Even from a young age, Kim Yo-jong and her brother Kim Jong-un were identified as potential candidates for political life. According to Konstantin Pulikovsky, Russia’s envoy to the Far East and frequent visitor to North Korea during the Kim Jong Il era, the pair have shown an interest and aptitude in political life since young.
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Kim Yo-jong, in particular, was considered “quick-witted and showing good leadership skills”.
9. Not A Possible Candidate For The Position Of Supreme Leader
Although reports have suggested that Kim Yong-jo will be next in-line to the throne, it’s believed that the accomplished woman, despite her accolades, will be ineligible due to North Korea’s practices:
It’s believed that North Korea adheres to highly Confucian rules that are hierarchical and male-dominated in nature.
As Lim Jae-cheon, a Kim family expert at Korea University in Seoul, it’s just not possible for Kim Yo-jong to take over power.
“She can’t be leader. She’s a female.”
Lim, however, acknowledged her influence.
“Kim Yo Jong is very influential,” the Kim family expert said in no uncertain terms.
10. If Anything Else, She Might Be The ‘True’ Heir To The Throne
Should that genuinely be the case, Kim Jong-chol will be considered heir apparent to the throne, though his reputed “girlish” demeanor and preference for guitar over politics might leave much to be considered.
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Yet, if one puts things into perspective, Kim Yong-jo could be said to wield as much power in her current position, as she might have in the square seat of the throne. After all, she was vital in the portrayal of Kim Jong-un’s image, and is reportedly instrumental in his development of a Cult Of Personality trait.
And so, one can’t help but wonder; will North Korea’s ‘harsh’ dictatorship rule come to an end when Kim Jong-chol ascends to power?
Well, if Kim Yong-jo has her way…
Things probably wouldn’t end as lightly as observers might perceive.
But of course, that’s assuming that Kim Jong-un is indeed unwell and in grave condition. As my colleague entailed earlier on…
There might be no real ’cause for concern’ at all.
