NK leader's sister may get more power

By Kim Hyo-jin

Kim Yo-jong

Kim Yo-jong, the younger sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, will emerge as a central figure in the regime’s leadership during its ruling Workers’ Party Congress, North Korea observers said Thursday.

Kim is expected to be promoted to either a department director or a secretary of the ruling party, equal to a ministerial post in South Korea.

The 28-year-old is now identified as the vice director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department. Kim may assume the top position at the department, Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, said.

The organization orchestrates propagandist publications and activities, acting as the mouthpiece for the North Korean regime. It is on the list of the sanctioned institutions by the Obama administration.

“Kim is deemed a reliable person by the young leader. She has been recognized as a capable official over the past four years so may be allowed to assume a position with larger responsibility,” Yang said.

“Their relationship has similarities to the bond their late father Kim Jong-il shared with his sister, Kim Kyong-hui,” said Koh Yoo-hwan, a North Korean studies professor at Dongguk University. “Kim Yo-jong, a pure blood of Kim’s family, is likely to keep assuming key positions while Kim is in power.”

He added her role in consolidating Kim Jong-un’s power will be expanded with a higher position after the ruling party’s rare event.

Experts said that Kim Yo-jong could be also moved to other bureaus including the Organization and Guidance Department or Light Industry Department as her aunt Kim Kyung-hui moved from the International Liaison Department to the Light Industry Department.

Ri Sol-ju, Kim Jong-un’s wife, is less likely to be given an official title at the congress, they said.