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In April, when Kim Jong Un’s absences began attracting international attention, some expressed doubts about the idea of his younger sister Kim Yo Jong replacing him.

The country has only known male leadership, with its revered female figures receiving such regard because of their loyalty, care, or support for those men.

In fact, there is little precedent in all of Korean history for women of such positions. Empress Myeongseong, for instance, may be a highly regarded figure among Korean nationalists