Kim Yo-jong could succeed brother as official N.K. leader: think tank
- 4 years ago
국회입법조사처 “김여정, 공식 ‘후계자’ 지위 받을 가능성”
The National Assembly Research Service released an analysis on Tuesday saying that Kim Jong-un's sister Kim Yo-jong could succeed him as the official North Korean leader.
And there is another possible figure, Kim Pyong-il, Kim Jong-il's half-brother.
Our Hong Yoo reports.
In their analysis of North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly meeting held in mid-April, the National Assembly Research Service said Kim Jong-un could give all his authority to his sister Kim Yo-jong.
It is understood that Kim Yo-jong is already in charge of the ruling Workers Party's Organization and Guidance Department, exercising more power than anyone else in the party.
The research agency said the North Korean leader is likely to strengthen the power of sovereignty of his bloodline, known as the 'Baekdu bloodline', by giving his sister the role of his successor in times of national crisis such as his death.
It added that starting from this year, she had already been responsible for the party as an independent political figure.
This suggests that as one of the Baekdu bloodline, Kim Yo-jong's status is likely to grow to fit the role of official successor.
Earlier this year, she started making official statements toward South Korea and the United States.
And she has been in the spotlight ever since the first reports speculating that Kim Jong-un might be seriously ill.
But the thinktank said it is unlikely for Kim Yo-jong's ascent to supreme leadership to occur immediately, adding that it will need an official directive by Kim Jong-un.
Another possible figure who could be the North's next leader is Kim Pyong-il, Kim Jong-il's half-brother who returned home last year after decades of serving as a low-key ambassador in Europe.
This possibility was backed up in a radio interview last week by Thae Yong-ho, the former number-2 diplomat at North Korea's London embassy who defected to South Korea a few years ago.
Thae explained... that North Korean officials in their 60s and 70s, who are the strongest supporters of the current system, see Kim Yo-jong as only a rookie politician.
Hong Yoo, Arirang News.
The National Assembly Research Service released an analysis on Tuesday saying that Kim Jong-un's sister Kim Yo-jong could succeed him as the official North Korean leader.
And there is another possible figure, Kim Pyong-il, Kim Jong-il's half-brother.
Our Hong Yoo reports.
In their analysis of North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly meeting held in mid-April, the National Assembly Research Service said Kim Jong-un could give all his authority to his sister Kim Yo-jong.
It is understood that Kim Yo-jong is already in charge of the ruling Workers Party's Organization and Guidance Department, exercising more power than anyone else in the party.
The research agency said the North Korean leader is likely to strengthen the power of sovereignty of his bloodline, known as the 'Baekdu bloodline', by giving his sister the role of his successor in times of national crisis such as his death.
It added that starting from this year, she had already been responsible for the party as an independent political figure.
This suggests that as one of the Baekdu bloodline, Kim Yo-jong's status is likely to grow to fit the role of official successor.
Earlier this year, she started making official statements toward South Korea and the United States.
And she has been in the spotlight ever since the first reports speculating that Kim Jong-un might be seriously ill.
But the thinktank said it is unlikely for Kim Yo-jong's ascent to supreme leadership to occur immediately, adding that it will need an official directive by Kim Jong-un.
Another possible figure who could be the North's next leader is Kim Pyong-il, Kim Jong-il's half-brother who returned home last year after decades of serving as a low-key ambassador in Europe.
This possibility was backed up in a radio interview last week by Thae Yong-ho, the former number-2 diplomat at North Korea's London embassy who defected to South Korea a few years ago.
Thae explained... that North Korean officials in their 60s and 70s, who are the strongest supporters of the current system, see Kim Yo-jong as only a rookie politician.
Hong Yoo, Arirang News.