Third Son “Jong-woon” Strong Candidate as Kim Jong-il’s Heir

On July 8, it will be 10 years since the death of North Korean leader Kim Il-sung. Concerning the anniversary, the Japanese press, including Asahi Shimbun, featured a special edition this day and discussed who will be appointed the heir.

The issue that the Japanese press particularly dealt with is the heir to National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong-il. It is because Chairman Kim, who is 62 years old, is at the same age when Kim Il-sung appointed him as his heir in 1974.

There have been several indications among North Korean experts that it is not the right time to discuss the issues related to who will become heir as pending questions have been piled up that include the nuclear issue and economic difficulties. There are analyses that Chairman Kim will not nominate his heir before he reaches 70.

Nevertheless, discussions have been circulating that centers on Chairman Kim’s sons— Jong-nam (33), Jong-chul (23), and Jong-woon (22) — as being possible candidates as the heir, and recently the “view of Jong-woon as a strong candidate” has surfaced.

The first foundation backing up this view is the fact that Jong-woon’s biological mother, Koh Young-hee, has been idolized as “the mother of Pyongyang.” Koh Young-hee’s portrait has begun to be hung in military units since this year and songs as well as documents praising Koh have been circulating in the military.

In addition, military and executive members of the Workers’ Party refer to Jong-woon as “leader of Venus.” Considering the fact that Chairman Kim’s nickname is “Bright Star,” the analysis is that the word “star” might have indications of an heir.

Taking after his father, Jong-woon maintains a good reputation for his open-minded character; however, some are concerned that he is too young. Since North Korea is influenced by Confucianism, the eldest son Jong-nam is still a strong candidate. Being born by Chairman Kim and Sung Hye-rim, he has received criticism that his domestic support foundation is rather weak due to the smuggling incident into Japan and staying abroad for a long period of time.

It is widely rumored that Jong-chul recently started to work at the organization guidance division of the Workers’ Party that manages the overall organization, including the party and the Cabinet.

As the “fourth candidate,” the son (33) by Chairman Kim’s sister, Kyung-hee, and potentate, Chang Sung-taek, has been mentioned. He is known recently as holding an important position in the Workers’ Party.

There have been observations that the heir will be announced next year which marks the 60th anniversary of the party establishment and liberation.

Hun-Joo Cho hanscho@donga.com