North Korea's isolation breeds endless speculation, this time about Kim Jong Un's health and possible successors.
North Korea’s Foreign Ministry said it would examine why Trump released ‘the ungrounded story’ to the media.If nothing else, the rumor has raised questions about what would happen to North Korea if Kim died unexpectedly, which would plunge the impoverished nation and Chinese-dominated region into uncertainty at a time when the world is distracted by a pandemic.
The country could break with gender tradition and keep power within the immediate family by tapping Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, who has“Kim Yo Jong’s profile has risen and her role has broadened significantly over the past couple years,” said Rachel Lee, a former North Korea analyst for the U.S. government.Kim Yo Jong could serve as a placeholder until one of her brother’s children is old enough to take over.
“Military generals or party officials might jockey for power,” said Duyeon Kim, a senior adviser for the International Crisis Group on Northeast Asia. “China-backed North Korean elites might look for a successor. Some forces might try to bring back and elevate [Kim’s] nephew Kim Han Sol. The list goes on with so many variables.”Sign up for the latest news, best stories and what they mean for you, plus answers to your questions.
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