North Korea's Kim Yo-jong "Wants to Keep DVD of US Independence Day Event"

Kim Yo-jong, First Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea

Kim Yo-jong, the first deputy director of the Workers' Party and younger sister of North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un, has expressed a desire to possess a DVD of the United States Independence Day celebration, drawing attention to the background of this interest.

On the 10th, in a statement related to the third North Korea?U.S. summit, Kim Yo-jong said, "I would like to share my impressions of the U.S. Independence Day celebration I saw on TV a few days ago," adding, "If possible, I have received permission from Chairman Comrade to personally obtain a DVD recording of the Independence Day celebration in the future."

This was an unexpected mention of a DVD after listing heavy topics such as the North Korea?U.S. summit, prospects for North Korea?U.S. relations, denuclearization, and sanctions against North Korea.

Kim Yo-jong also said, "Chairman (Kim Jong-un) instructed me to convey his greetings, wishing President Trump great success in his business," effectively expressing hope for President Trump's reelection.

This message is evaluated as demonstrating the continued validity of the friendship between Chairman Kim Jong-un and President Donald Trump despite the strained North Korea?U.S. relations.

Professor Lim Eul-chul of the Institute of Far Eastern Studies at Gyeongnam National University interpreted, "Emphasizing the friendly relationship with President Trump, requesting the DVD of the Independence Day event known as the 'Trump Show,' and sending a message wishing President Trump great success in his business, i.e., the presidential election, are strategic moves considering the possibility of President Trump's reelection."

Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies explained, "The request for the Independence Day DVD and the greetings to President Trump are overall attempts not to provoke the United States," adding, "It shows that North Korea's current thoughts on the U.S. and expectations for future North Korea?U.S. summits were intended to be conveyed through the second-in-command, Kim Yo-jong."

Furthermore, it is interpreted that Kim Yo-jong may actually intend to refer to the U.S. Independence Day event in state governance.

Kim Yo-jong has recently been issuing messages toward South Korea and the U.S., appearing deeply involved in foreign policy, but in fact, she has also been actively managing major events and protocol. Observing the large-scale event held in the U.S. firsthand, it is speculated that she may use it as a "reference."

Since moving to the position of first deputy director of the Party Organization Guidance Department at the end of last year, she seems to oversee overall domestic and foreign policies, and it is expected that important North Korean events will also be subject to her instructions and guidance.