Is North Korea’s Kim Jong-un shielding his powerful sister from media attention?
- Kim promoted a long-time official in his 60s, but his prominent sister Kim Yo-jong is not part of the ruling Workers’ Party politburo
- However, she is still likely to wield power as she still remains a member of the broad central committee, analysts say
Kim was endorsed with the position, previously held by his late father and grandfather, during a congress called to map out diplomatic, military and economic policies over the next five years and make key personnel appointments, according to state media.
Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said Kim’s new title reflected the rise of his stature over nine years.
“At the beginning of his rule, when he needed the aura of his predecessors, he satisfied himself with a relatively humble title – the ‘first secretary’,” he said. “Kim Jong-un’s endorsement as general secretary now marks the opening of his one-man rule in name and in reality as well.”
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North Korea: Kim Jong-un admits failures in economic plan as he kicks off party congress
Yang added the move also could be seen as a shift away from the country’s “Songun policy” – which prioritises the military in the affairs of state – towards a “party-centred socialist system, in which the party takes charge of the implementation of all policies”.