Dictator's sister in spotlight as a possible leader in North Korea

Kim Yo-jong has proved adept at exercising power but that might not be enough for her to rule one of the most rigidly male-dominated societies in the world.

Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un. "She will be able to wield power through a mix of terror and promotions," says one expert. "She knows how to play the game." AP

Jon Herskovitz and Kanga Kong

Apr 27, 2020 – 2.22pm

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Of all the family members who could eventually take the reins from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, his sister seems like the obvious choice.

Kim Yo-jong, in her early 30s, has been by her brother's side at summits with US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, sat behind Vice-President Mike Pence while representing North Korea at the 2018 Winter Olympics and became the first immediate member of the ruling family to visit Seoul, where she delivered a personal message from her brother inviting South Korean President Moon Jae-in to a summit.

Bloomberg