Subscribe
E-Paper
 |
| North Korean leader Kim Jong-un claps during a factory completion ceremony in Sunchon, South Pyongan Province, Friday, in this photo released by the Korean Central News Agency, Saturday. His sister Yo-jong is sitting next to him in the seat usually taken by the country's No. 2, showing her raised political status and possible emergence as Kim's successor. Yonhap |
By Kim Rahn
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's public appearance Saturday after rumors of his deteriorating health also shed light on his sister, Kim Yo-jong, who accompanied her brother to a fertilizer factory completion ceremony.
Yo-jong was very close to Kim at all times, showing she has become a key figure in the regime and could emerge as a successor to her brother whose children are still too young to take control.
The North Korean leader participated in a fertilizer plant completion ceremony Friday, according to state media reports the following day ― 20 days after he disappeared from public view which raised speculation on his whereabouts and health.
During the ceremony, Kim Jong-un sat in the center of the platform and his younger sister, whose official title is the first vice director of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) Propaganda and Agitation Department, sat next to him on his right, a seat reserved for participating senior party officials whose official titles are higher than hers.
Her close proximity to him during the whole event was thought to be aimed at sending a strong message to the world that the sister, who is a member of the so-called "Paektu bloodline," is the de facto "No. 2" of the regime. In the North, Mount Paektu is considered a sacred place and regarded as the birthplace of the nation's founder Kim Il-sung. The Kim family lineage is referred to as the Paektu bloodline.
Choe Ryong-hae, the country's official No. 2, did not participate in the ceremony, and this could also be intended to highlight Kim Yo-jong's status. In a January event, Choe was sitting next to Kim Jong-un on the leader's right. Kim Yo-jong sat to Choe's right.
She has shown her increased political stature since earlier this year by issuing statements directed at Cheong Wa Dae and the U.S., unusual moves by a first vice director-level official. She was also reappointed to the ruling party's politburo.
A recent report by the National Assembly Research Service also predicted Kim Jong-un may give Yo-jong successor status, with her reappointment to the politburo likely to strengthen the governing foundation of the Paektu bloodline.
"She has gained attention for her active international activities, such as issuing statements against South Korea and the U.S., on behalf of Kim Jong-un," the report said Wednesday. Considering North Korea's monolithic leadership system, her activities as an independent political figure show she virtually plays the role of successor, the report said.
The sister has recently gained even more attention following Kim's absence from an important state event held April 15 and rumors about his health condition. "There is a limit for Kim Yo-jong to get the status and role of successor immediately. Considering her current status and role as an alternate member of the politburo, an official process will be required," the report concluded.
