North Korean media identifies Kim Jong-un’s official wife

Posted on : 2012-07-26 11:00 KST Modified on : 2012-07-26 11:00 KST
Young leader takes a different track by publicly announcing his marriage
Ri Sol-ju appearing on North Korean Central Television in January 2011. (Yonhap News)
Ri Sol-ju appearing on North Korean Central Television in January 2011. (Yonhap News)

North Korean state media have identified the woman seen accompanying North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in a recent series of public appearances as his wife.

North Korean Central TV (KCTV) reported on July 25 that the woman is named Ri Sol-ju. Kim and his wife attended a ceremony to mark the completion of a resort area built on Rungna Islet in Pyongyang’s Botong river.

Since Ri Sol-ju, believed to be in her late 20s, first appeared on state media on July 5 when she was seen seated to the right of the leader during a concert, she has been next to Kim at a series of events. North Korean media have not disclosed information about her, except for her name and status as Kim Jong-un‘s wife.

Ri was next seen on July 8 paying tribute to late North Korean founder Kim Il-sung on the anniversary of his death, bowing deeply while standing next to the leader, as uniformed North Korean military officials raised their hands in salute behind the couple dressed in black.

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A source speculated that she used to be a member of an art troupe. She appeared on KCTV in January 2011, singing a song as a member of a music troupe under the Ministry of Public Security. The abrupt announcement of the young Kim’s status as a married man is likely intended to create an impression of stability within his regime.

According to Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, “Kim Jong-un seems to be showing his open leadership style by publicly announcing his choice of a wife.” In contrast, Kim’s father Kim Jong-il was seen with four or five women throughout his time but never officially acknowledged any of them as his wife.

The US State Department wished the young couple well after learning of their marriage, but stressed the need for improved human rights in North Korea. State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said in a press briefing, “Our concerns first and foremost are for the North Korean people and our hope that conditions for them will improve and that the new DPRK leadership will make the right choice about opening the country and providing more for their people.”

 

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