December 07, 2023
Analysis

Analysis: Kim’s sister rumored to be married

Has Kim Yo Jong tied the knot? What do we know and why does it matter?

South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency has reported that Kim Yo Jong, the younger sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, married sometime in 2014. Kim reportedly married Choe Song, according to the unnamed sources Yonhap cited.

Kim Yo Jong – born in 1987 – is the daughter of Kim Jong Il and Ko Young Hui and one of two full siblings of Kim Jong Un. She was first mentioned in state media by name and as a member of the ruling Worker’s Party’s Central Committee in March and in November state media confirmed that she holds the post of deputy department director in the Workers’ Party, likely in the Propaganda & Agitation Department. Kim appears to be a trusted confidant for her brother, having been elevated to influential positions and often accompanying him to events and inspections. This is similar to the role Kim Jong Il’s sister, Kim Kyong Hui, played when he was in power.