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Kim Jong-un’s sister playing key role in propaganda work

June 3, 2015

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (center) tours a military unit on an island near the sea border with South Korea in the East Sea. Kim’s younger sister, Yo-jong, is seen behind. North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency reported it on March 12, 2015, without elaborating on the timing of the visit. (KCNA/Yonhap)

SEOUL, June 3 (Yonhap) — North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s younger sister seems to be in charge of the ruling party’s propaganda department, officials said Wednesday, lending support to the leader’s iron-fist rule.

In November last year, North Korea unveiled the official title for Kim Yo-jong as a deputy director of the North’s ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, without elaborating on what exactly she controls.

Kim Yo-jong, 28, has been playing a key role in the party’s propaganda and agitation department following a series of party reshuffles and the presumed retirement of a party head from the propaganda bureau, the officials said.

Kim Ki-nam, who used to be party secretary in charge of the North’s propaganda work, has not been seen in public since April, sparking speculation over his retirement.

“It has not been confirmed what are Kim’s specific jobs, but given the nature of the leader’s field guidances with her accompanying, she could be in charge of propaganda work,” said a government official, asking not to be named.

Last year, the North’s leader reportedly purged or replaced three main figures handling propaganda affairs as part of a reshuffle for the party.

If the appointment of Kim’s younger sister is confirmed, the move is expected to help her brother cement his tight grip on the North.