North Korea's most powerful woman | DW Documentary
DW Documentary・25 minutes read
Kim Yo-jong plays a significant role in North Korea, evolving from a powerful figure to a potential successor to Kim Jong-un, with a focus on maintaining the regime's power and nuclear status. Despite diplomatic efforts, negotiations with North Korea for nuclear disarmament have proven futile, highlighting the regime's aggressive stance and the challenges of dealing with the Kim dynasty.
Insights
- North Korea's leadership under the Kims resembles a monarchy more than a socialist state, with power concentrated in the hands of the ruling family, particularly Kim Yo-jong.
- Kim Yo-jong's influential role in North Korea, characterized by her assertiveness and strategic diplomacy, positions her as a significant figure in the regime's power structure, potentially paving the way for her succession to maintain the Kim dynasty's grip on authority.
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Recent questions
Who is Kim Yo-jong?
Kim Yo-jong is the most powerful woman in North Korean history, known for her bold and sometimes threatening demeanor.
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Summary
00:00
Kim Dynasty: Monarchy, Nuclear Disarmament, and Power
- North Korea is more like a monarchy led by the Kims than a socialist country.
- Negotiating with North Korea for nuclear disarmament is futile.
- Kim Yo-jong is portrayed as powerful, bold, and sometimes threatening.
- Kim Yo-jong is the most powerful woman in North Korean history.
- Kim Jong Un contracted COVID-19, and Kim Yo-jong played a significant role during the pandemic.
- Kim Yo-jong has established herself as a key figure in North Korea.
- The Kim dynasty's power is based on a cult of personality and a myth tied to Mount Paektu.
- Kim Jong-un has maintained the family's myth and physical resemblance to his grandfather.
- Kim Jong-un and Kim Yo-jong have a close relationship dating back to their school days in Switzerland.
- Kim Jong-nam, Kim Jong-un's half-brother, was assassinated in Malaysia, showcasing the regime's ruthlessness.
19:51
Kim Yo-jong's Diplomatic Role in Korea
- Supreme Leader's sister was a focal point at the opening ceremony, seated behind US Vice President Mike Pence.
- North Korean delegation gave American athletes a cold reception, prompting Pence to avoid eye contact.
- US National Security Advisor John Bolton supported Pence's decision, citing North Korea's authoritarian regime.
- South Korean President Moon Jae-in orchestrated a meeting at the Olympic Games to improve US-North Korea relations.
- Kim Yo-jong's visit to South Korea aimed at peace and reconciliation, generating excitement and positive perceptions.
- Kim Yo-jong's demeanor in South Korea exuded authority and control, carefully managing her public image.
- Kim Yo-jong's visit marked a historic moment, emphasizing peace and unity between North and South Korea.
- Kim Yo-jong's role in diplomatic relations was pivotal, leading to a significant warming of relations between the Koreas.
- Kim Yo-jong's visit to South Korea paved the way for further diplomatic breakthroughs, including the meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un in Singapore.
- Despite initial optimism, subsequent meetings between Trump and Kim Jong-un failed to yield agreements on denuclearization, leading to renewed military tensions.
41:16
North Korea's Power Play: Kim Yo-jong's Rise
- North Korea staged 21 launches in 2019, maintaining this pace in subsequent years to assert its power.
- Kim Yo-jong's role evolved as she rose in the Party and power hierarchy, becoming more confrontational in her rhetoric.
- The Inter-Korean Liaison Office in Kaesong, funded by South Korea, was destroyed by North Korea in 2019, escalating tensions.
- Kim Yo-jong led aggressive actions against South Korea and the US, emphasizing North Korea's nuclear power status.
- Kim Yo-jong, seen as a key figure in North Korea, may potentially succeed her brother Kim Jong-un due to his rumored health issues, maintaining the Kim family's power grip.
