[News Figures] 'Karina,' the 'Kim Yo-jong of Argentina,' Appointed as Presidential Chief of Staff

'Argentina's Kim Yo-jong.'

As the four-year term of Javier Milei, the Argentine president who has gained attention as the 'Trump of South America,' began with the inauguration ceremony on the 10th (local time), there is someone who is receiving as much attention as President Milei. That is his younger sister, Karina Milei.

Javier Milei, the new President of Argentina (left), arrived at the presidential palace in Buenos Aires on the 10th (local time) with his younger sister Karina Milei. Immediately after the inauguration ceremony, President Milei appointed Karina as the Chief of Staff. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Known as a tarot reader, Karina is President Milei's only blood relative and is known as a younger sister whom he trusts and relies on so much that he usually calls her 'Boss.' Karina has always stayed by President Milei's side since the presidential election and played a 'keyman' role in making various decisions within the election camp. In fact, during the election period, President Milei showed emotional dependence by saying in several interviews that Karina was his only support during his difficult childhood, which included abuse from his father and bullying from classmates. Right after confirming his presidential election victory, he expressed gratitude to Karina by calling her "the most wonderful person in the world," effectively signaling that she would take on the role of first lady. The Argentine daily La Naci?n also reported Karina as "Milei's emotional shield," reflecting this background.

As predicted, Karina's influence was displayed at the presidential inauguration ceremony held on the 10th (local time). Karina walked alongside President Milei during the celebratory car parade along Buenos Aires' Avenida de Mayo and took her first step into the presidential palace (Casa Rosada). She also received the official title of 'Chief of Staff' within the Milei administration.

As Karina stood before the public as the president's official chief of staff and effectively as the first lady, past articles comparing her to Kim Yo-jong, the younger sister of North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un and deputy director of the Workers' Party, have also attracted attention. The major Argentine daily ?mbito covered Karina's story in an article titled 'The Boss: Tarot and Political History Surrounding Karina Milei' in June last year, drawing a comparison between her and Kim Yo-jong.

Meanwhile, immediately after the inauguration, President Milei carried out a government reorganization, abolishing some ministries including the Ministry of Women’s Rights, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.