"'Defector Lawmaker' Ji Sung-ho: 'Certain of Kim Jong-un's Death... Kim Yo-jong Will Assist in Succession Process'"

Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, Intern Reporter Park Hee-eun] Ji Seong-ho, a human rights activist and proportional representative-elect of the Future Korea Party who is a defector from North Korea, raised rumors about the death of North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un. He further claimed that Kim Yo-jong, Kim's younger sister, is the most likely successor.

In a phone interview with a media outlet on the 30th of last month, Ji said, "It appears that Chairman Kim Jong-un has died. I am 99% certain," adding, "I understand that he underwent cardiovascular surgery. I believe he died from shock caused by the surgery."

He continued, "After the surgery, he was unable to regain consciousness and was in a state where he could not govern. I understand that preparations for the ensuing confusion have surfaced within the party," explaining that his source of information is an internal informant.

Ji predicted that the current situation inside North Korea is unfavorable. He also stated, "I understand there is an issue with the succession structure."

As evidence, he pointed to "the arrival of an economic delegation from China" and "Kim Jong-un's yacht being out," analyzing these as strategies to divert attention externally and buy time.

Regarding the succession, Ji said, "Three people are being mentioned: Kim Jong-chol, Kim Jong-un's older brother; Kim Pyong-il, his uncle; and Kim Yo-jong, his younger sister. Ri Sol-ju and Kim's children are also being mentioned."

He then asserted, "In my opinion, the power will lean toward Kim Yo-jong, and rather than Kim Yo-jong directly ruling, she will likely play a role in ensuring that power is inherited by Kim Jong-un's children."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.