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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