NK mystery lady prompts media swirl

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, right, applauds alongside an unidentified woman during a concert in Pyongyang, Friday, in this image released by the North’s state media. The woman is generating huge speculation over whether she could be Kim’s wife or companion. (Photo : Yonhap)

Rampant speculation over a young woman seen with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un showed no sign of abating, Wednesday, with a wave of reports reflecting international curiosity over her emergence and its implications for the regime.

Foreign and domestic media outlets and officials have pored over images released by Pyongyang of the woman seated beside the leader during a concert late last week. With her identity still unclear ­ some reports said she was his lover or wife ­ the debate raged on in colorful language.

“Hair trimmed in a neat bob, large eyes, a warm, self-confident smile, got up in a natty dark suit with green piping, the glamorous young woman has taken center stage in recent days,” the Independent wrote.

“Was the slim woman in the sharp black suit his sister, wife or even lover?” CNN wondered.

The reports show a keen interest in the country under Kim, who took power after his father, Kim Jong-il, died last year, and in whether his rise will signal real change in its repressive leadership style.

Local reports earlier quoted unnamed intelligence officials as saying the woman was Hyon Song-wol, the former leader of Bochonbo Electronic Music Band who has been tied to the young leader. She is reportedly married with a child, though analysts said this would not prevent Kim from being involved with her.

Cheong Seong-chang, a North watcher at the Sejong Institute, said that the woman is likely Kim’s wife and that the regime likely revealed her image to portray the believed twenty-something to be a mature family man. It also shows he has successfully consolidated power.

Experts say that by revealing Kim’s wife, the North could also be attempting to portray a softer image to both its populace and the international community, distancing itself from the “military-first” approach of his father.

Initially, reports guessed the woman was Kim Yo-jong, the leader’s younger sister as the late Kim’s closest aide was his own sister. Having Yo-jong appear at an event that featured Disney characters, though unauthorized, may have intended to appeal to the younger generation, some analysts said.

Observers are watching to see whether the move is for public relations or, in stark contrast with Kim’s predecessors, to signal a greater change in leadership style. <The Korea Times/Kim Young-jin>

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