Kim Yo Jong is arguably North Korea’s most powerful woman. However, existing explanations of her role do not fully account for her sustained prominence today. She is most commonly understood as either Kim Jong Un’s trusted spokesperson or potentially his contingency successor. This is juxtaposed to the rise of Kim Ju Ae since her introduction in November 2022; some consider the latter to be the likely successor. What is driving both women’s prominence remains unclear; their positions could reflect succession considerations, Kim Jong Un’s reliance on female family members, or other dynamics in an unprecedented political environment. If succession is part of the equation, it is unclear why a regime usually so careful with succession politics continues to sustain Kim Yo Jong’s prominence and relevance today as Kim Ju Ae increasingly appears to be positioned for a greater role.

Read more at: https://www.38north.org/2026/09/sister-before-daughter-kim-yo-jong-and-the-normalization-of-female-paektu-authority-for-kim-ju-ae/