Kim Yo-jong (Yonhap) via The Korea Herald
SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has delegated some of his authority to younger sister Kim Yo-jong, allowing her to manage South Korean and US affairs, South Korea’s spy agency told lawmakers Thursday.
The move appears to be intended at relieving the burden on Kim Jong-un, the National Intelligence Service said, denying any serious health issues.
“In regards to Kim Jong-un’s circumstances, ‘delegation of power’ was mentioned,” Rep. Ha Tae-kyung from the main opposition United Futures Party told reporters after a closed-door parliamentary briefing with the NIS.
“Kim Jong-un is still in power, but in comparison to the past, he is transferring power gradually,” he said, adding that “high-stress level” was the reason behind the leader delegating power to Yo-jong.