Jang orchestrates North Korea’s transition

By Kim Young-jin

The mysterious brother-in-law of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is said to be wielding enormous influence in the aftermath of the ruler’s death, as the Stalinist state attempts to complete an unprecedented second hereditary power transfer.

Jang’s face has been splashed across the media in the aftermath of Pyongyang’s bombshell announcement Monday that its “Dear Leader” had died from a heart attack and his youngest son, Kim Jong-un, would be taking the reins.

Many analysts agree that the 65-year-old career bureaucrat is the key figure of the North’s interim leadership that is trying to usher Kim Jong-un ― his nephew by marriage ― into power. With a dotted past and a reportedly ambitious nature, he adds intrigue to the unfolding drama.

“Kim Jong-un has to rely on Jang Song-thaek to keep control,” Yoo Ho-yeol, an expert at Korea University, said. “He is definitely one of the most powerful figures in North Korea’s new era.”

The regime has lauded the son, thought to be 28 years old, as “The Great Successor.” But it has not said he has replaced his father as head of the army or the ruling party, titles he needs for legitimacy.

These are seen as towering tasks given Kim Jong-un’s inexperience in a society that places a high premium on seniority. While his father appeared as heir in 1980 but didn’t take charge until 1994, Jong-un has had precious little time to consolidate a power base.

Yoo said Jang appears to control the North’s security apparatus, is likely to oversee foreign affairs and has significant pull in the military. His wife, meanwhile, could become the key player in the party. Together with Ri Yong-ho, a standing member of the ruling party politburo, they would insulate Jong-un from challenges.

Kim Jong-il, analysts say, had envisioned such a role for Jang since 2008, when the leader suffered a stroke. Jang is believed to have played a big role in executing affairs as Kim recovered.

But his relations with the ruling family have been anything but smooth.

Known as ambitious, bright and tough, Jang made his presence known to the Kims in the late 1960s as a student at Kim Il-sung University, where he met his future wife.

Kim Il-sung, the towering country founder who is still revered as a god, did not take to Jang and eventually expelled him from the top school. But the couple persisted.

He then began his long climb through the North’s bureaucracy, eventually becoming head of security affairs.

But in 2004, he fell out of the public view for nearly two years, a blank spot on his resume that continues to worry some about his intentions.

Some believe he was purged from the regime because Kim Jong-il, by that time the leader, believed he had too much power. Some said he had criticized his brother-in-law’s economic policy too loudly. Still others said he was being punished for flaunting his wealth.

By 2007, he was back at Kim Jong-il’s side. He travelled with the leader to onsite visits. He took part in delegations to China and South Korea, where he earned a reputation as a capable figure who might influence reform in the economically-hobbled state.

Last year, he was tapped as vice chairman of the powerful National Defense Commission and an alternate member of the ruling party’s politburo, moves that significantly expanded his power and made him de facto regent for Kim Jong-un.

Jang is also on the Central Military Commission of the Workers Party, which Jong-un vice chairs. Intelligence officials here say the commission will play a big role in handling affairs until a successor takes full control.

Analysts are split on whether friction could occur between uncle and nephew. Some say jostling is inevitable as Jang holds the power Jong-un needs, which could, in turn lead to destabilizing behavior from the military. Some suggest he will make his own play for power.

Other, like Yoo, say it is in the best interest of the North Korean elite to work together, at least in the short term, as failure would mean the end of the regime. The professor added that at Jang’s advanced age he is likely realized he is better off in a supporting role.

His influence may have been best illustrated Tuesday as the young Kim paid respects to his father, wearing a grimace of pain in images released by state media. Over his shoulder, Jang hovered nearby, keeping a close watch over the young heir.