Kim Kyong-hui facts for kids

Kim Kyong-hui (Chosŏn'gŭl: 김경희; born 30 May 1946) is a notable figure in North Korea. She is the aunt of the current North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un. She is also the daughter of North Korea's founder, Kim Il Sung, and the sister of the late leader Kim Jong Il. Kim Kyong-hui has held important roles within the Workers' Party of Korea, including serving as Secretary for Organization. She was married to Jang Song-thaek.

Early Life and Education

A portrait of Kim Kyong-hui with her mother Kim Jong-suk, father Kim Il-sung and brother Kim Jong-il

Kim Kyong-hui was born in Pyongyang, North Korea, on May 30, 1946. Her parents were Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-suk. Sadly, her mother passed away when Kim Kyong-hui was only four years old. After her father remarried, she was raised by other caregivers.

During the Korean War, she spent a short time in Jilin Province, China. She later returned to Pyongyang with her brother, Kim Jong-il. In 1963, she began studying political economy at Kim Il Sung University. There, she met Jang Song-thaek, who would become her husband. They married in 1972. Kim Kyong-hui also studied at the Kim Il-sung Higher Party School in 1966. Later, in 1968, she continued her studies at Moscow State University.

Political Career

Kim Kyong-hui started her political journey in 1971. She took a position in the Korean Democratic Women's Union. In 1975, she moved to the International Liaison Department of the Workers' Party of Korea. She was promoted to first vice-director in 1976. During this time, North Korea was building relationships with many countries. She helped place skilled diplomats in their roles.

In 1988, Kim became a member of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea. She also became the director of the Light Industry Department. This department focuses on making everyday goods for people. In 1990, she was elected as a deputy to the Supreme People's Assembly. This is North Korea's parliament. Her work was very important during a difficult economic period. She led the Economic Policy Inspection Department and the Light Industry Department.

Kim Kyong-hui's public appearances became less frequent around 2003. However, she returned to the public eye in 2009. She took on a more important role, joining Kim Jong Il on many tours and official events. On September 27, 2010, she was made a general in the Korean People's Army. She was the first woman in North Korea to reach this military rank. This happened at the same time her nephew, Kim Jong Un, received the same promotion.

A day later, she was elected as a member of the Political Bureau. This is a key organization within the Workers' Party. Kim Kyong-hui continued to be a prominent leader under Kim Jong Un. In April 2012, she became a member of the WPK Secretariat. She also became a leading figure in the Organization and Guidance Department of the Workers' Party of Korea. This department is very important in the party.

Kim Kyong-hui was also known to be a personal assistant to Kim Jong Il. Her important position allowed her to work closely with other top officials. Her role in the Light Industry Department meant she helped shape North Korea's economic plans. In 2010, she even opened the first hamburger restaurant in Pyongyang.

Later Years and Public Appearances

For several years in the 2010s, there were rumors about Kim Kyong-hui's health. Some reports suggested she was very ill. However, in February 2015, South Korea's intelligence service stated she was still alive. In 2016, old footage of her was shown on North Korean television. This suggested she was still part of the country's official history. In 2017, a South Korean news agency reported that she was alive and receiving medical care.

In January 2020, Kim Kyong-hui appeared in North Korean media again. This was her first public appearance in over six years. She attended a lunar new year concert with Kim Jong Un. This showed she was still an active figure in the country.

See also

In Spanish: Kim Kyong-hui para niños

• Kim Song-hye
• Kim Sol-song
• Kim Yo Jong
• Politics of North Korea
• Ro Song-sil
• Women in North Korea