Ryu Hyun-woo, Former North Korean Diplomat, Claims
If True, Kim Yo-jong Was Already Married Before 2014
In 2022, the Korean Central News Agency released a photo showing Kim Yo-jong standing close to a man in a report related to the delivery of medical supplies. At the time, some speculated that the man might be her husband, as he was standing directly facing Kim Yo-jong. In response, the Ministry of Unification stated that there was no official confirmation regarding this individual at that time. Rodong Sinmun
Ryu Hyun-woo, a former North Korean diplomat who defected, claimed that the husband of Kim Yo-jong, the deputy director of the Workers' Party, worked as the deputy director of the Corps Leadership Division in the Organization Department of the General Political Bureau in 2014. If his claim is true, it means Kim Yo-jong was already married before 2014. Since no information about Kim Yo-jong’s marriage or childbirth has been disclosed so far, this has attracted even more attention.
According to Radio Free Asia (RFA) on the 11th (local time), former Deputy Ambassador Ryu stated that he met Kim Yo-jong’s husband in person when he visited the grave of Ko Yong-hui, the mother of Kim Jong-un, in September 2014.
Ryu said that at the time, Kim Yo-jong’s husband was dressed in military uniform and left a strong impression due to his tall stature and handsome appearance. He specifically recalled the scene where Kim Yo-jong greeted his father-in-law (Jeon Il-chun) by saying, "Thank you for visiting my mother’s grave." He added, "At that time, a handsome man nearly 180 cm tall was standing next to Kim Yo-jong," and "I realized he looked exactly like the husband in the wedding photos of Kim Yo-jong."
According to former Deputy Ambassador Ryu, Kim Yo-jong and her husband married after meeting in a special class at Kim Il-sung University. He claimed that in September 2014, Kim Yo-jong’s husband was serving as the deputy director of the Corps Leadership Division in the Organization Department of the General Political Bureau.
There have been various theories about Kim Yo-jong’s husband. Speculations ranged from him being the son of a lower-level Workers' Party official to the son of Choe Ryong-hae, the chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly. However, former Deputy Ambassador Ryu said most of these theories are not true. In particular, regarding the theory that he is Choe Ryong-hae’s son, Ryu stated, "Choe Ryong-hae has an only son, and his daughter-in-law is a vocalist in the Moranbong Band."
Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of the Workers' Party, is heading to an outdoor table at the Pyongyang 'May 1st Stadium' with children. Photo by Korean Central TV
Last month, Kim Yo-jong was spotted entering a New Year’s performance venue with children presumed to be her own, drawing attention. Although there was no scene showing Kim Yo-jong and the children getting out of the same car, a video showing family members entering separately led to speculation that the two children might be Kim Yo-jong’s offspring. In response, the National Intelligence Service stated that it is analyzing the possibility that these children are Kim Yo-jong’s.
Also, in June 2022, a photo was released by state media showing Kim Yo-jong standing with an unidentified man. Since the two were standing close together and the man was facing Kim Yo-jong directly while handing over medicine, there was speculation that he might be her husband. The Ministry of Unification officially stated at the time that this individual had not been confirmed.
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