French Media Le Monde Focuses on North Korea's Kim Yo-jong: "Kim Jong-un's Spokesperson and Sharp-tongued Critic"

Kim Yo-jong visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, Vietnam, in March 2019.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Seoyoung] The French daily newspaper 'Le Monde' published an article highlighting the status of Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un and Deputy Director of the Workers' Party.

On the 4th (local time), Le Monde released a feature article focusing on Kim Yo-jong's life. In this article, Le Monde evaluated, "Kim Yo-jong, who made an impression on the diplomatic stage by attending the opening ceremony of the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, is now increasingly stepping forward as Kim Jong-un's spokesperson, delivering sharp remarks." They mentioned, "Kim Yo-jong, once a diplomat, has become an iron lady."

Le Monde also explained through diplomatic sources who have seen Kim Yo-jong several times at summit meetings, "(Kim Yo-jong) appeared to be someone who is well aware of her diplomatic role. We got the impression that she supports Kim Jong-un positively." They added, "Kim Yo-jong took the forefront during the inter-Korean dialogue phase, but from North Korea's perspective, there was little gain. Since then, she has been making scathing remarks."

In this article, Le Monde described that Kim Yo-jong's power stems more from the concept of the 'Baekdu bloodline' within North Korea rather than her role within the Workers' Party. The ruling class in North Korea must hold power as part of the 'Baekdu bloodline' and simultaneously possess political acumen and loyalty to the leader, and Kim Yo-jong seems to meet all these conditions, according to Le Monde's assessment.

Regarding the possibility of Kim Yo-jong inheriting power after Kim Jong-un's death, they responded, "Since North Korea is still a patriarchal society, it seems premature," but also said, "It cannot be completely ruled out." They also mentioned Kim Yo-jong's private life during the late 1990s when she studied abroad with Kim Jong-un. At that time, Kim Yo-jong reportedly used the alias 'Park Mi-hyang' and attended the Liebefeld-Steinh?lzli school in Switzerland.