June 04, 2023
Analysis

Kim Jong Un appears to welcome new top assistant into inner circle

Woman recently seen hovering around North Korean leader with large handbag, though identity and role remain unknown

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears to have welcomed a new top assistant into his inner circle in recent weeks, NK News analysis of state media images and video footage shows.

The person appears to be a young woman in her 30s or 40s. NK News could not immediately determine her name or background, but she could be Kim Jong Un’s mysterious half-sister Kim Sol Song who reportedly has remained active in the party’s leadership behind the scenes.