Kim Yo-jong Removed from Key Post Rumored Feud with Kim Jong-un’s Daughter Fuels Power Struggle Speculation

The personnel decisions made at North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly in Pyongyang on March 22 have caused a stir.

Kim Yo-jong, sister of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, has been removed from her key position as a member of the State Affairs Commission. The State Affairs Commission is the highest policy-making body overseeing North Korea’s military, diplomacy, and economy. Yo-jong’s departure from the commission has sparked various speculations.

“Rumors suggest a conflict between Yo-jong and her niece, Ju-ae, Kim Jong-un’s daughter. Ju-ae, reportedly only 13 years old, has been increasing her influence, for example by observing the March 19 military exercises with her father. Since her public debut during the missile test in November ’22, she has appeared in public more frequently each year. She also accompanied Kim Jong-un on his visit to China last September and is considered the leading candidate for succession.

On the other hand, Yo-jong has held key party positions and accompanied her brother to the inter-Korean summit at Panmunjom in April ’18 and the U.S.-North Korea summit in Singapore in June the same year. Her domestic influence is considerable. If she maintains her power, it could become a source of conflict when Ju-ae formally becomes the successor. Therefore, some believe she has been removed from her key post to reduce her power while it is still possible,” said a South Korean newspaper reporter.

〈“Just because Japan wants it”〉

Denying such speculations is Shinichi Hen, editor-in-chief of Korea Report, who is familiar with the Korean Peninsula situation.

“North Korea is a state ruled by the Workers’ Party of Korea. The State Affairs Commission is below the party. In February this year, Yo-jong was promoted within the party from ‘Deputy Department Director’ to ‘Director of the General Affairs Department.’ She remains one of North Korea’s top figures. Having multiple titles increases administrative tasks, so she has stepped down from the State Affairs Commission, a lower party body, to focus on being her brother’s spokesperson.

Evidence of this is her statement on March 20, when Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed a desire to meet Kim Jong-un directly. Yo-jong responded: 〈This is not an issue that can be realized just because Japan wants it〉 and 〈Personally, I do not wish to see the Japanese Prime Minister in Pyongyang〉. Only Kim Jong-un and Yo-jong can comment on top-level meetings in North Korea, and personal opinions are permitted, which shows the trust her brother places in her. For Japan, dealing with the abduction issue, she is an unavoidable presence.”

What about the relationship between Ju-ae and Yo-jong? Hen continues:

“I have never heard that their relationship is bad. Ju-ae’s succession to Kim Jong-un is a foregone conclusion. Yo-jong will likely act as her guardian, supporting her until she reaches adulthood.

A risk factor is if Kim Jong-un, whose health is uncertain, suddenly dies before Ju-ae becomes an adult. It would be impossible to leave the country’s responsibility to a 13-year-old girl. Yo-jong would effectively become the country’s ruler. However, Yo-jong reportedly has a son of her own. When Ju-ae reaches adulthood, it is unclear whether Yo-jong will willingly hand over power. If her brother’s wishes do not apply, it would not be surprising if she preferred to pass power to her grown son rather than her niece.”

Whether this scenario of a power struggle becomes reality remains uncertain. Even within the Kim family, one single change could potentially escalate into a deadly internal conflict.