Sunday, December 13, 2009

Meet the North Korean Dynasty

It looks as though North Korea's hereditary dynasty is firmly in place after all. The leadership succession is believed to center around the Kim Jong-un (26) and Kim Jong-il's younger sister Kyong-hee (63), her husband Jang Song-taek (63), and Kim Ok (45).Kim Jong-il's younger sister Kyong-hee is said to have undergone treatment for depression after her husband Jang Song-taek was sidelined in 2004 and her daughter Keum-song committed suicide due to marital problems. Her return to power is believed to be part of the regime's intention to publicize its support for Kim Jong-un's succession, according to North Korean sources.


Her husband Jang is now seen as the second most powerful man in the state, playing a key role in leading the country after Kim Jong-il's stroke in August last year.

Kim Ok, the de-facto first lady, was present as an advisor during the meeting and luncheon between the elder Kim and Hyundai Asan chairwoman Hyun Jeong-eun in August.

Chosun Ilbo

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