Kim Yo-jong was thrown into the spotlight in April after Kim Jong-un’s long absence from the public eye prompted rumours that he was overthrown in a coup led by his sister, who is believed to be next in line to run the country.
Kim Jong-un’s sister is being moved to a position of ultimate power that might enable her to displace the country’s Supreme Leader, claims Roy Calley, an expert in North Korean affairs. Calley, who frequently visited Pyongyang and penned a book about one of the most secretive countries in the world, told the Daily Express that a recent report by US-based Daily NK, saying that Kim Yo-jong had become a full member of North Korea’s politburo is highly significant.
The expert further noted that the young woman’s promotion could be linked to Kim Jong-un’s health. “If he is still alive, which I still question – and she is edging closer to ultimate power. These things happen in North Korea for a reason. There is never an accidental way of government”, Calley said.
Professor James Hoare, from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, disagrees with Calley and noted it’s not unusual in North Korea for an official other than the Supreme Leader to comment on important issues.
At the same time, Professor Hoare agreed that Kim Jong-un’s sister has become increasingly influential in recent months. At the beginning of June, South Korea’s leading newspaper reported that Kim Yo-jong was put in charge of relations with Seoul. Several weeks later North Korea escalated tensions with its neighbour – cutting off communication and blowing up an inter-Korean liaison office used as a de-facto embassy.
Sourse: sputniknews.com
