North Korea's state news agency KCNA announced on 24/2 that Kim Yo-jong, sister of leader Kim Jong-un, has been promoted to a department head within the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea. This announcement was made following the first plenary session of the party's 9th Central Committee, where she was named one of the 17 new department heads. Previously, Kim served as deputy head of the Propaganda and Agitation Department.

Kim has long been one of her brother's closest aides. According to the South Korean government, she was born in the late 1980s and was educated in Switzerland alongside Kim Jong-un. She is known for making strong, firm statements criticizing the United States and South Korea.

Kim Yo-Jong speaking in Pyongyang, North Korea, in August 2022. Photo: KCNA

KCNA also reported that Kim Jong-un was re-elected as General Secretary at the 9th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea on 22/2, the fourth day of the congress. KCNA stated this reflects the "unwavering will and unified aspiration of all delegates" at the event.

The news agency emphasized that under Kim's leadership, the country's "war deterrence capability, with nuclear forces as its pillar, has been greatly improved". KCNA further asserted that Kim Jong-un has enhanced the nation's prestige, fostered a favorable international environment for the revolutionary struggle, and transformed the military into an "elite, powerful" force.

Ngoc Anh (According to Yonhap, AFP)