Monday, November 08, 2010

Kim Jong-un consolidates position upon death of North Korean Politburo member

Jo Myong-rok, a member of the Politburo of the Workers Party and a powerful aide to Kim Jong-Il, ranking fourth in the party hierarchy, died of a heart attack on Saturday at age 82.

The day after, North Korean media listed heir apparent Kim Jong-un second to his father among members of the funeral committee, suggesting that Kim junior has consolidated his position in the party hierarchy.

A South Korean security official speculated Kim Jong-un "seems to have risen to second place some 40 days since he was rated sixth". 

A North Korean source suggest Kim Jong-un has probably already been promoted to the posts left vacant by Jo Myong-rok or will assume them as soon as the mourning period ends.

Chosun Ilbo

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