North Korean leader's sister emerges as policymaker in spat with South Korea

Reuters ^ | 06/09/2020 | Josh Smith

[BenLurkin]

During the 2018-2019 flurry of international diplomacy, Kim Yo Jong garnered global attention by leading a delegation to the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea. Later, she was often seen dashing about to make sure everything went well for her older brother, including holding an ashtray for him at a train station on his way to a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Vietnam.

But this year, Kim has taken on a more public policy role, cementing her status as an influential political player in her own right.

Kim has worked behind the scenes in North Korea’s propaganda agencies, a role that led the United States to add her to a list of sanctioned senior officials in 2017 because of human rights abuses and censorship.

In March, state media carried the first ever statement by Kim, in which she criticised South Korean authorities. That was followed by several more, including a response to comments by Trump, and last week, a warning that the North would cut communications with South Korea.

Lee said Kim’s statements have a unique style, showcasing her wit and underscoring her powerful position.

When state media announced on Tuesday that the hotlines between North and South Korea would be severed, they said Kim Yo Jong and a longtime hard-liner, Kim Yong Chol, championed the decision at a meeting.

[M Kehoe]

Methinks she would eat Laz’s liver with a side of kimche and fava beans.

Of course, and a fine Italian Chianti from the Tuscany region.

5.56mm

[BradyLS]

That’s cruel, man.

;-) :-D

[DUMBGRUNT]

Many here think she’s hot ... idiots

“Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.”
Kissinger.

[PIF]

“Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac.”
Kissinger.
`````
Chasing that “hottie, you’ll feel the ultimate power of the wood chipper ...

[cartan]

That’s cruel, man.

Right? So tragic! I really love that one ;-)