Kim Yo-jong Confirmed as Head of Inter-Korean Affairs
Attention on Her Reclusive Appearance Since July
North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un attended the completion ceremony of the Suncheon Fertilizer Factory on May 1, Labor Day (May 1), the Korean Central Television reported on the 2nd. Kim Yo-jong, the first deputy director of the Party and Kim's younger sister, was also present. North Korea has remained silent for four days regarding the incident in the West Sea where a South Korean citizen was shot and burned. Earlier on the 24th, the Blue House directly demanded a strong apology from North Korea and called for the punishment of those responsible, drawing attention to North Korea's official response. There is also interest in whether Kim Yo-jong, the First Deputy Director of the Workers' Party who has led a hardline stance against the South this year, including the demolition of the inter-Korean liaison office, will step forward again.
On this day, North Korean media such as the Korean Central News Agency, Rodong Sinmun, Korean Central Broadcasting Station, and external propaganda outlets did not report anything related to the incident. Rodong Sinmun only published an article emphasizing the 'quarantine barrier' to block the inflow of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
This response differs from the 'Park Wang-ja shooting incident' that occurred at Mount Kumgang in July 2008. At that time, North Korea blamed the South for the incident but repeatedly insisted it was an "accident" and showed willingness to manage the situation.
In contrast, this time North Korea appears to indirectly assert the legitimacy of its actions. Previously, North Korea shot a South Korean citizen drifting in the West Sea, and North Korean personnel wearing protective suits and gas masks approached, poured oil on the body, and burned it. There have been claims that this was a COVID-19-related measure, and on this day Rodong Sinmun published an article supporting this.
The newspaper stated, "We are paying close attention to strengthening epidemiological surveillance of rivers and streams, thoroughly handling objects and debris floating downstream or accumulated in river basins according to epidemiological requirements," and "Surveillance posts along rivers and streams have been increased, and responsible officials have been reinforced to enhance monitoring capabilities." This explains that quarantine measures in water areas are being strengthened.
Therefore, North Korea is likely to blame South Korea for poor management in this incident. North Korea has also criticized the South during the leaflet-sending incidents, expressing concerns that COVID-19 virus might be transmitted via the leaflets.
However, since the South Korean government has strongly condemned the incident and emphasized North Korea's responsibility, it is also evaluated that North Korea is likely to issue a statement in some form. On the 24th, President Moon Jae-in said regarding the incident, "It cannot be tolerated for any reason," and "The North Korean authorities must provide a responsible response and take measures."
It remains to be seen whether North Korea will continue its silence or issue a statement after deliberation. In this regard, there is speculation about the possible reappearance of First Deputy Director Kim, who has not been seen in official activities since the National Veterans' Conference last July. If North Korea responds officially to this incident, there is a considerable possibility that First Deputy Director Kim will take the lead.
The National Intelligence Service recently revealed that North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un has delegated authority to some close aides, including his younger sister, First Deputy Director Kim. She is analyzed to be in charge of overall inter-Korean affairs and diplomatic matters.
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