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North Korea leader's powerful sister, Kim Yo-jong, promoted to a senior role amid Congress

By The South Asia Times

SEOUL - Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has been promoted to department head in the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, state media reported Tuesday.

The promotion was announced during the first plenary meeting of the ninth central committee, part of the ongoing party congress that began last Thursday to review past policies and set new goals for the next five years.

Kim, previously vice department director, was also reinstated as an alternate member of the Central Committee’s Political Bureau after a five-year absence. She is now promoted as minister of the department.

However, KCNA did not specify which department she will lead, but analysts suggest she may oversee propaganda, inter-Korean relations, or external affairs.

The plenary session, chaired by Kim Jong Un, elected key leadership bodies including the Political Bureau, Secretariat, Central Military Commission, and Central Inspection Commission.

Kim Jong Un told members that the new five-year term would be challenging and urged officials to demonstrate strong discipline, loyalty, and initiative to strengthen the party and state while improving citizen welfare.

The session also approved appointments of department directors, provincial chief secretaries, and commanding officers in the Korean People’s Army, and began discussing a 2026 work plan and a new five-year policy framework.

Kim Yo-jong’s rise underscores her growing influence in North Korea’s inner leadership and signals potential shifts in the country’s domestic and external political strategy.