North Korean politician Kim Kyong-ok, who was 93, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2014.
The official media of the nation reported on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Reportedly, Kim Jong-un’s succession depended heavily on the former vice head of the North Korean ruling party’s organizational leadership department.
North Korean media reported that Kim Jong-un had sent a wreath to the politician’s grave. The official newspaper, the Rodong Sinmun, published a separate obituary on page 3 in the name of the ruling party of North Korea.
The late Kim amassed a great deal of power during his time in the Organizational Leadership Department, an important body that manages high-ranking appointments in all branches of government, the military, and the party.
When North Korean leader Kim Jong-il resigned from the chair position in 2008 to take on the role himself, he was named vice chair of the department.
In September 2010, for example, Kim and Kim Jong-un were promoted to the rank of four-star general despite Kim’s lack of military experience.
For that reason, he is believed to have been essential to Kim Jong-un’s succession. Rodong Sinmun’s obituary states that he attempted to stabilize Kim’s regime after assuming power from his father.
Kim Kyong-ok is believed to have played a major role in Kim Jong-un’s administration until she retired due to old age. His last public appearance was at a celebration marking North Korea’s 74th anniversary of its founding in September 2022.
