Jeong Kyeong-doo Defense Minister: "Kim Yo-jong Controls the Organization and Guidance Department"

Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo is attending the full meeting of the National Defense Committee held at the National Assembly on the 25th, providing a work report. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Military authorities have determined that Kim Yo-jong, the First Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea, is in control of the key power institution, the Organization and Guidance Department.

On the 25th, Minister of National Defense Jeong Kyeong-doo responded to Future United Party lawmaker Yoon Joo-kyung's question at the National Defense Committee, "Is Deputy Director Kim effectively controlling the Organization and Guidance Department?" by saying, "That is our assessment," and added, "We believe Kim Jong-un has consolidated power through a unique leadership system over the party, government, and military, but he delegates roles and responsibilities to subordinates to govern."

He confirmed Kim Yo-jong's official position as "First Deputy Director of the Organization and Guidance Department" and evaluated the analysis that she oversees strategies toward the U.S. and South Korea by saying, "Since she described it that way herself, it is likely true."

Recently, the National Intelligence Service revealed that Kim Yo-jong, First Deputy Director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party, is effectively governing North Korea by delegated authority. On the 20th, Future United Party lawmaker Ha Tae-kyung stated after the National Assembly Intelligence Committee meeting, "Chairman Kim Jong-un still holds absolute power, but compared to the past, he is delegating authority," conveying this assessment.

Lawmaker Ha said, "This is not a succession rule. A successor has not been decided," and explained, "Chairman Kim Jong-un still exercises absolute power, but he has gradually delegated authority compared to before. For example, First Deputy Director Kim Yo-jong receives reports on strategies toward South Korea and the U.S., which are then passed on to Kim Jong-un."

Meanwhile, Minister Jeong stated on the same day regarding some predictions that Deputy Director Kim might annul the inter-Korean military agreement and engage in localized military provocations, "No unusual developments have been identified."

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