Kim Jong Un's sister and the fight for North Korea's bloodline

Kim Yo Jong must win over family members to be next in line to lead

20200508N kim yo jong clapping

A woman passes by a TV screen showing an image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his sister Kim Yo Jong during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea on May 2.  © AP

HIROSHI MINEGISHI, Nikkei senior staff writer

TOKYO -- The mystery surrounding the North Korea's "sacred" bloodline, and who is next in the line of succession, has only grown since Kim Jong Un's public reemergence last week.

Kim's appearance put to rest the notion that he was gravely ill -- or even dead, but not to rumors that he suffers from chronic health problems. And the rising profile of his younger sister 32-year-old Kim Yo Jong has sparked speculation that she is being positioned to be next in line.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.