Speculation continues in North Korea over children believed to be those of Kim Yo-jong, sister of leader Kim Jong-un. The issue remains a topic of discussion despite months passing since their alleged appearance on state media.
Reports suggest that the Pyongan Province Party Committee recently issued an unprecedented internal directive instructing authorities to forgive residents who spread rumors about the children. This order has raised eyebrows among officials and citizens alike.
On February 14, Daily NK cited a source from Pyongan Province, reporting that the provincial party intervened on February 7. According to the source, despite growing speculation, some residents were still being summoned by the Workers’ Party and even state security agencies to write self-criticism reports regarding the rumors.
The rumors stem from a December 31, 2023, broadcast by Korean Central Television (KCTV), which featured Kim Yo-jong walking with two children at a New Year’s celebration event at the May Day Stadium in Pyongyang.
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Following the broadcast, many residents in Pyongsong City began speculating that the two children were indeed Kim Yo-jong’s offspring. Unverified stories about her family also spread rapidly by word of mouth.
Authorities Took Initial Steps to Suppress Talk
Local party committees summoned some residents to write self-criticism reports for spreading “groundless rumors.” In more severe cases, individuals were reportedly interrogated by the Ministry of State Security.
One source stated that although the broadcast never explicitly identified the children as Kim Yo-jong’s, most residents were certain they were her offspring. Even local officials appeared uncertain, yet the authorities initially took no direct action to suppress the speculation.
When the rumors first emerged, authorities were reportedly instructed not to engage actively but to monitor the situation carefully. Internal orders were issued to party officials and judicial authorities, warning that the speculation could escalate into a political issue. Officials and their families were told to be cautious in their speech and actions while also keeping a close watch on public sentiment.
However, as speculation about Kim Yo-jong’s children and the so called Baekdu bloodline continued to spread, the matter was eventually reported to higher authorities. This led to increased efforts to suppress the rumors, with several residents being summoned by state security agencies.
Sudden Shift: Party Orders Amnesty for Residents
Surprisingly, on February 7, the Pyongan Province Party Committee issued a directive instructing local authorities to forgive those who spread rumors about Kim Yo-jong’s children, according to Daily NK. As a result, all residents who had been detained or under investigation were released from scrutiny.
Many North Koreans reportedly found the decision highly unusual. One resident expressed disbelief, stating, “Matters involving the Supreme Leader’s children are sensitive, and now Kim Yo-jong’s children are being treated the same way. It is unheard of for people to be pardoned for spreading such rumors.”
Another resident noted, “Normally, anyone involved in such discussions would be immediately detained or subjected to intense criticism. This is truly unexpected.”
The sudden shift in policy has led to ongoing speculation about why authorities chose to back down on punishing those who spread the rumors.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
