Kim Jong-un's younger sister has reportedly wed one of the country's most powerful government officials, according to a South Korean news report that cites anonymous sources.
Kim Yo-jong, who also holds a top post in Kim's regime, was married to Choe Song, the son of party secretary Choe Ryong-hae last year, Yonhap News reported on Friday. The media outlet described the elder Choe as the second most-powerful person in North Korea behind Kim Jong-un himself. Choe Song, believed to be in his early 30s, is his second son.
In photos released by North Korea's state-run media on Friday, Kim Yo-jong is seen wearing what appears to be a wedding ring. The photos were taken during a visit she made with her brother to a North Korean orphanage on Jan. 1.
Kim Jong-un’s younger sister now appears to have gotten married. http://t.co/YMRX4zq6Sn pic.twitter.com/bsTWr7Smm5— Jim Roberts (@nycjim) January 4, 2015
Kim Yo-jong, who is believed to be around 27 years old, was appointed to a vice-directer position in the reclusive government's propaganda department last year, according to North Korean media. She is the only member of the ruling Kim family to hold a position in the regime, Reuters reported. Analysts say she is a rising star in North Korea, and in recent months, has regularly accompanied her brother on his "field guidance" trips.
During Kim Jong-un's extended period of absence last fall, rumors swirled that Kim Yo-jong had taken control of the country.