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Geneva, Switzerland

Asia General Affairs Recent Post March 31, 2024

The Red Princess of Asia

Photo: Reuters

As the sister of North Korea’s Supreme Leader, Kim Jong-un, Kim Yo-jong has emerged as a notable figure in the Hermit Kingdom’s opaque political hierarchy. Her official titles have included First Deputy Director and Vice Department Director of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) Propaganda and Agitation Department, but her influence seems to extend far beyond her formal positions, leading to speculation about the extent of her power within the regime and her potential as a successor. Kim Yo-jong first gained international attention during the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, where she represented the North Korean regime with a blend of poise and political savvy, marking her as her brother’s trusted envoy. Her visibility during this diplomatic venture was a telling sign of her growing stature within the regime. As a scion of the ruling Kim dynasty, her pedigree is unquestionable, which provides her with a virtually unassailable status in North Korea’s political order. Kim Yo-jong’s proximity to her brother, both literally and figuratively, suggests she plays an integral role in the state’s decision-making processes. Her frequent appearances at Kim Jong-un’s side during key meetings and military parades reinforce this perception.

Her role within the Propaganda and Agitation Department, which is responsible for ideological dissemination and the enforcement of loyalty to the regime, indicates that she wields significant influence over the country’s internal and external messaging. Kim Yo-jong’s involvement in the department’s operations is a testament to her importance in maintaining the cult of personality that surrounds her family and in controlling the narrative that shapes the populace’s view of their leadership.

Despite her prominent public profile, many details about Kim Yo-jong’s political clout remain shrouded in mystery. The nature of North Korean politics, characterized by its secrecy and unpredictability, makes it challenging to ascertain her true level of influence. Some analysts argue that her prominence is a deliberate strategy by Kim Jong-un to elevate a loyal family member who can provide a stabilizing presence and potentially serve as a placeholder in the event of his absence.

Recent developments have seen Kim Yo-jong taking on a more public role in inter-Korean relations and the nation’s military posturing. Her statements, often fiery and laced with propaganda, are directed towards South Korea and the United States, and they indicate her position as a hardline defender of North Korean interests.

While her potential succession remains a matter of conjecture, the notion is not entirely unfounded given the dynastic nature of the regime. However, the patriarchal society of North Korea, coupled with the opaque nature of the country’s succession planning, makes any predictions about her ascending to the country’s highest office speculative at best.

Kim Yo-jong’s presence in the North Korean political landscape is a fascinating study in the dynastic politics of an isolated state. Her role may be publicly defined by her positions within the Workers’ Party of Korea, but her actual influence likely extends much deeper into the workings of the regime. As international observers continue to watch North Korea with a mix of concern and curiosity, Kim Yo-jong remains an enigmatic figure whose political journey is inextricably linked to the fortunes of her family and her country.

By Sara Colin

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