Politician Kim Yo-jong

Kim Yo-jong | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : March 05, 2025

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Who is Kim Yo-jong?

Kim Yo-jong is the younger sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and has emerged as a prominent figure within the country's ruling elite. Born on September 26, 1987, she is the youngest child of former leader Kim Jong-il and his consort, Ko Yong-hui. Kim Yo-jong joined the Workers' Party of Korea in 2007 and has since held influential roles, particularly in the Propaganda and Agitation Department, where she manages her brother's public image. Her rise within North Korea's political hierarchy has positioned her as a key advisor to Kim Jong-un, and some analysts speculate she could be a potential successor.

Kim Yo-jong gained international attention during the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, where she represented North Korea and engaged in high-profile diplomacy, including meetings with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Her involvement in denuclearization talks with U.S. President Donald Trump has further highlighted her significance in state affairs. Despite challenges, including a temporary removal from the politburo after a setback in negotiations, she has retained her influence, reflecting her vital role in shaping North Korea's domestic and foreign policies.

Early Life and Education

Kim Yo-jong was born on September 26, 1987, in Pyongyang, North Korea, as the youngest child of Kim Jong-il and his consort Ko Yong-hui. She spent her formative years at her family's residence in Ch’angkwang Hill, central Pyongyang. Among her siblings, she shares a close bond with her older brother Kim Jong-un. Reports indicate that her childhood was marked by celebrations of her birthdays in Wonsan, highlighting the family’s focus on tradition and kinship.

In 1996, Kim Yo-jong was sent to Switzerland to pursue her education. During her time abroad, she attended Liebefeld Hessgut public school, later transferring to Liebefeld-Steinhölzli public school, where she was joined by Kim Jong-un. Enrolled under pseudonyms for their safety, the siblings lived in relative isolation with an aunt and uncle, supported by a retinue of household staff. After returning to North Korea in 2000 or 2001, Kim Yo-jong reportedly graduated with a degree in computer science from Kim Il-sung University in 2007, a testament to her educational foundation before rising in the ranks of the Workers' Party of Korea.

Career Start in the Workers' Party of Korea

Kim Yo-jong's political career commenced with her entry into the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) in 2007, marking the beginning of her rise within the ranks of North Korean leadership. Initially, she served as a junior cadre in the party, quickly gaining prominence as she took on a key role in the succession plans following her father Kim Jong-il's health crisis. By the time of her father's death in December 2011, she had already established herself as an influential figure, acting as his secretariat and helping to manage party affairs during a critical time in North Korea's leadership transition.

Under her brother Kim Jong-un's regime, Kim Yo-jong continued to ascend the party hierarchy. She became the first vice-department director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department, where her primary responsibility involved shaping and controlling her brother's public image, playing a crucial role in the "charm offensive" that accompanied North Korea's outreach to neighboring South Korea and the United States. Her position allowed her to be at the center of significant political events, including high-profile diplomatic engagements and strategic policymaking, thereby solidifying her influence within the party.

In recognition of her growing stature, Kim Yo-jong was appointed as an alternate member of the WPK's politburo in 2017, highlighting her critical role in governance and her potential as a future leader. As she oversaw propaganda efforts and coordinated with various branches of the military, her presence became increasingly impactful. The international community began to closely watch her actions, especially during significant national events, as she emerged as a symbol of the changing dynamics within the North Korean leadership structure, potentially positioning her as a key successor should her brother's health concerns escalate.

Rise to Leadership and Influence

Kim Yo-jong’s ascent within North Korea's political landscape is marked by her strategic positioning in the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and her influential family ties. After being appointed to a junior role within the WPK in 2007, her political involvement escalated as she gained a prominent position in succession planning during her father Kim Jong-il's declining health. Following his death in 2011, she cultivated her role under her brother Kim Jong-un, eventually securing the title of first vice-department director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department, where she became the architect of her brother's public image and domestic messaging.

Throughout her career, Kim Yo-jong has demonstrated not only her loyalty but also her capability in handling critical state matters. Her appointment as an alternate member of the WPK's powerful politburo and her election to the Supreme People's Assembly further solidified her standing within the regime. She has actively participated in high-stakes diplomatic engagements, including denuclearization talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, demonstrating her role as a vital advisor and envoy. Kim’s visibility at international events, particularly her appearance at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, showcased her diplomatic acumen and ability to influence both domestic and foreign perceptions of North Korea.

2018 Winter Olympics Participation

The 2018 Winter Olympics held in Pyeongchang, South Korea, marked a significant moment in international diplomacy and the visibility of North Korea. Kim Yo-jong, the younger sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, emerged as a prominent figure during this event, being the highest-ranking member of the North Korean ruling family to visit South Korea since the Korean War. Representing her brother at the Games, Kim was instrumental in facilitating dialogue between North Korea and South Korea, which included her notable meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Her presence at the Olympics was perceived as part of a broader strategy to present a more benign image of North Korea to the global community.

During the opening ceremony, Kim Yo-jong garnered attention by strategically positioning herself behind U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, which underscored the stark political juxtaposition of the two nations. Her interactions at the Olympic events were seen as a "charm offensive," aimed at rekindling inter-Korean relations amid heightened tensions. As a key envoy, her participation served not only as a diplomatic gesture but also illustrated her rising political influence and importance within the North Korean regime, emphasizing the regime's intent to engage more proactively on the world stage while maintaining its authoritarian stance domestically.

Summits with Donald Trump

Kim Yo-jong played a significant role in her brother Kim Jong-un's high-profile denuclearization talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. She accompanied Kim Jong-un to the first summit, held in Singapore in June 2018, marking a historic moment as it was the first time a sitting U.S. president met with a North Korean leader. Her presence at the summit symbolized the shift in North Korea's diplomatic approach, showcasing her influence and importance within the regime. During this time, she was seen as a crucial advisor, contributing to the strategy behind the diplomatic overtures being made.

The second summit took place in February 2019 in Hanoi, Vietnam, where further discussions on denuclearization occurred. Despite the hopeful anticipation surrounding the talks, they ended abruptly, and it was reported that Kim Jong-un blamed Kim Yo-jong for the failure of the negotiations. This led to her temporary removal from the politburo, highlighting the high stakes of her role in the regime's diplomatic efforts. Nevertheless, she was reinstated in April 2020, illustrating her resilience and continued relevance in North Korean politics and diplomacy.

Controversies and Sanctions

Kim Yo-jong has been a controversial figure within both North Korea and the international community due to her involvement in the country’s propaganda efforts and alleged human rights violations. As the first vice-department director of the Workers' Party of Korea's Propaganda and Agitation Department, she has been central to shaping the public image of her brother, Kim Jong-un. In early 2017, her leadership role led to her being one of seven North Koreans sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for serious human rights abuses and censorship activities. These sanctions reflect ongoing global concerns regarding North Korea’s human rights record and the oppressive regime's management of information and public perception.

Additionally, Kim Yo-jong's rumored connections to the secretive Office 39 have raised eyebrows. This clandestine organization is believed to focus on generating funds for the Supreme Leader through illicit means, including the production and distribution of counterfeit currency and other illegal activities. The duality of her role, both as a high-ranking official and as a member of the ruling family, positions her as a key player within the deeply secretive and authoritarian regime. Such involvements underscore the complex dynamics of succession and governance within the Kim family, as international scrutiny continues to grow over the regime’s actions and policies.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

In early 2015, Kim Yo-jong entered into matrimony with Choe Song, who is the son of Choe Ryong-hae, a prominent figure in her brother Kim Jong-un's administration. This marriage signifies not only a personal union but also a political alliance, as families in North Korea often intermarry to strengthen political ties within the elite. Kim Yo-jong’s marriage has reflected her increasing stature within the regime, giving her an additional connection to influential power brokers in North Korea.

Following her marriage, there were reports suggesting that Kim Yo-jong was expecting her first child in the spring of 2015. These family developments have remained largely private, as is customary in the secretive world of North Korean leadership. Again, around the time of the 2018 Winter Olympics, rumors circulated that she was pregnant, yet specific details about her children or family life outside of public appearances have remained shrouded in secrecy.

Net Worth and Earning

Kim Yo-jong's exact net worth remains largely undisclosed, as is common with figures in North Korea's tightly controlled regime. However, she is believed to come from a wealthy lineage, being the daughter of former leader Kim Jong-il. Her family's ties to the ruling elite and involvement in various governmental functions suggest she may possess significant financial resources. Analysts speculate that her income may stem from her political roles within the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and any involvement in state enterprises, particularly those linked to propaganda and governance.

Additionally, her reported marriage to Choe Song, the son of a high-ranking official, may further bolster her financial status. The Kim family has historically benefited from a system of state patronage, and Kim Yo-jong is no exception. Her actions, such as managing her brother's image and contributing to policy decisions, indicate her elevated position within North Korea's power structure, which often comes with substantial non-monetary benefits. Consequently, her net worth could potentially be considerable, though exact figures remain speculative due to the regime's secrecy surrounding wealth and financial dealings.