Kim Raises Sister's Profile With North Korean Politburo Post
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un raised the standing of his sister as a key player in the secretive state and bolstered his new foreign minister in a cadre shuffle that comes as he tries to fend off the coronavirus pandemic.
Part emissary, part personal assistant, Kim Yo Jong was reinstated to her position as an alternate Politburo member of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, state media said Saturday. The move returned her to the powerful decision-making body after she left the post last April and follows a series of roles since that included responding to overtures from U.S. President Donald Trump. “Her media profile over the years suggests that her profile will continue to rise and that her role will continue to expand,” said Rachel Minyoung Lee, a former North Korea analyst with the U.S. government.
Meanwhile, General Pak Jong Chon, the former head of the North Korean army’s artillery division and currently the army’s chief of staff , was named as a full member of the Politburo. Foreign Minister Ri Son Gwon, a former army officer who once led talks with South Korea, was named as an alternate member. “Pak’s quick promotion and Ri’s lower position in the Political Bureau seem to reflect Kim Jong Un’s policy priorities -- national defense, with an emphasis on artillery over diplomacy,” Lee said.
While North Korea claims it has seen no coronavirus infections, the pandemic has put new pressures on Kim’s regime, which could see its antiquated and underfunded medical system overwhelmed by an outbreak.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-13/kim-raises-sister-s-profile-with-north-korean-politburo-post?srnd=politics-vp
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