A former North Korean diplomat recently shed light on the personal life of Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un. In a rare revelation to the South Korean daily JoongAng Ilbo, Ryu Hyun-woo, who defected to South Korea in 2019, disclosed that Kim Yo-jong is married to a “tall and handsome” man and is likely the mother of two children who appeared in a recent photograph released by state media.
Ryu’s firsthand account provided a glimpse into the private family life of one of the world’s most secretive regimes. During a visit to the tomb of Ko Yong-hui, the mother of the Kim siblings, Ryu met Kim Yo-jong’s family back in 2014 when he was North Korea’s acting ambassador to Kuwait.
Speculation about Kim Yo-jong’s marital status first arose on New Year’s Day in 2015 when a newspaper photo captured her wearing a ring during a visit to an orphanage. Reports from various media outlets suggested that in 2014, she tied the knot with Choe Song, the son of Choe Ryong-hae, a prominent figure in North Korean politics.
Choe Ryong-hae, who serves as the vice-chairman of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, is the father of Choe Song. According to Ryu, the couple met during a special six-month course at Kim Il Sung University.
### Insights from a North Korean Defector
Ryu Hyun-woo’s account offers a rare glimpse into the personal life of Kim Yo-jong, a figure shrouded in mystery and intrigue. His firsthand experience as a former North Korean diplomat adds a layer of authenticity to the revelations about Kim Yo-jong’s marriage and family.
In a daring move to defect to South Korea in 2019, Ryu’s decision to share these intimate details underscores the significance of the information he has disclosed. The revelation not only provides insight into Kim Yo-jong’s personal life but also sheds light on the inner workings of the reclusive regime in North Korea.
### Unveiling the Private Life of a Political Figure
The disclosure of Kim Yo-jong’s marriage and children adds a humanizing element to a political figure often portrayed in a more austere light. The revelation that she is married to a “tall and handsome” man and likely has two children humanizes her in a way that goes beyond her political role.
By uncovering these personal details, Ryu’s account invites readers to see Kim Yo-jong in a different light – as a wife and mother, navigating the complexities of family life alongside her influential position within the North Korean regime. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to her public persona and offers a more nuanced understanding of her as an individual.
In conclusion, Ryu Hyun-woo’s revelation about Kim Yo-jong’s marriage and children provides a rare glimpse into the personal life of a prominent political figure in North Korea. The disclosure not only humanizes Kim Yo-jong but also offers valuable insights into the dynamics of power and family within the secretive regime. As readers digest this newfound information, they are encouraged to consider the multifaceted nature of individuals who occupy positions of influence on the global stage.
