North Korea's most powerful woman | DW Documentary

North Korea is ruled like a monarchy by the Kim family rather than as a socialist country. Negotiating with North Korea to abandon nuclear weapons will be fruitless as long as the regime is determined to acquire them. Kim Yo-jong, Kim Jong-un's sister, is portrayed as a powerful, sometimes threatening, sometimes charming figure. She is considered the most influential woman in North Korean history. Kim Yo-jong holds high positions in the Workers' Party. At a recent event, she looked back on the country's fight against COVID-19, saying she witnessed many tragedies that moved her deeply. In August 2022, Kim Yo-jong gave a speech celebrating North Korea's claimed victory over COVID-19. She revealed her brother Kim Jong-un had contracted the virus and was very ill with high fever. She expressed sadness at being unable to help him as he made many critical decisions alone to protect the people. The emotional scene bolstered propaganda depicting devotion to the Kims. It also affirmed Kim Yo-jong's status as second-in-command. Over the past decade, Kim Yo-jong has become a major figure, playing a key role as inter-Korean ties fluctuated. Her power stems from her close bond with Kim Jong-un and her demonstrated skills since entering public life. The story of the Kim dynasty begins with founder Kim Il-sung, who became leader after WWII with Soviet backing, defeating other contenders. He maintained ties with China and the USSR while building his own cult of personality. His son Kim Jong-il was groomed as successor from a young age. The "royal bloodline" became the basis of the family's power. When Kim Jong-il died in 2011, his son Kim Jong-un succeeded him despite no political experience. The young woman grieving behind Jong-un was his sister Kim Yo-jong, then unknown. Kim Jong-un and Yo-jong grew close while studying in Switzerland away from their parents. Kim Yo-jong steadily gained prominence, undertaking Party functions before becoming second-in-command, able to fill in for Kim Jong-un if needed - unprecedented for a woman. She has her brother's full confidence. Her rise is remarkable in North Korea's male-dominated, chauvinistic society. Kim Jong-un relied on Kim Yo-jong's help managing things. He delegated appropriate tasks to her. She's not co-dictator, but plays a supporting role. Kim Yo-jong first gained international notice at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea. Her presence signaled Kim Jong-un's seriousness about improving relations. South Koreans were excited to host the "princess." Kim Yo-jong made a poised yet imperious impression. She brought a letter from her brother inviting the South's president Moon Jae-in to meet. After her successful Olympic visit, Kim Yo-jong gave Moon the letter when she visited Seoul, the first ruling family member to do so since division. She electrified South Korea and impressed with her poise and efficiency. The outreach led to Kim Jong-un and Moon Jae-in's 2018 summit at the DMZ, with Kim Yo-jong present in a supporting role. Her public role further legitimized her. She also attended the 2018 Singapore summit between Kim Jong-un and Trump. She kept a low profile and spoke little. The rapprochement was short-lived as talks stalled over denuclearization. North Korea resumed missile tests while Kim Yo-jong's rhetoric grew confrontational, vowing destruction of "imperialists." In 2020, she ordered the destruction of the inter-Korean liaison office, damaging her reputation in South Korea. When diplomacy fails, Kim Yo-jong leads hostility toward South Korea and the US. Her aggressive statements promise retaliation. She has firmly rejected economic aid in exchange for denuclearization. After Seoul resumed joint U.S. military drills, Kim Yo-jong said peace was impossible with U.S. troops present and expressed regret about South Korean "deceit." She demands North Korea be accepted as a nuclear power, though Washington refuses. With talks fruitless, experts have abandoned hopes of denuclearization. Kim Jong-un would not relinquish nuclear weapons that confer legitimacy and strength. Kim Yo-jong's uncompromising words make that position clear. Her rhetoric and skills have developed over the years. She could potentially succeed Kim Jong-un if his health prevents him ruling. As a Kim, she has more authority than other officials. She is clearly second-in-command. Kim Jong-un's presentation of his young daughter recently underscores the dynasty's durability. Regardless of who rules next, the Kims will maintain their grip, and Kim Yo-jong has proven herself a true child of the dynasty.