North Korean House of Cards

influence instantly and their lives can be put in danger. In the past, some of the
princelings from the Kim Jong-il era have disappeared from the center stage after
their fathers left the inner circle of the Supreme Leader. 232
Table 5: Family and Same Generation Associates of Kim Jong-un 233
Name Relation Comments
Kim Jongchol
(34)
Kim Jong-un’s older
brother
• Rumored to be working in the KWP
OGD, Guard Command, or SSD 234
Kim Hyon-nam
(44)
Illegitimate son of
Kim Il-sung
• Rumored to work in the MFA as part
of a division that handles Japanese and
South Korean affairs
• Allowed to return from exile
• Relationship with Kim Jong-un unclear 235
O Se-hyon Son of NDC Vice
Chairman O Kukryol
• Rumored to be the head of the “Torch
Group” (Bong-hwa-jo), which is involved
236, 237
in illicit hard currency operations
• May be an employee in the Foreign Department
of the Ministry of Commerce
• Described in some reports as O Kukryol’s
second son, O Se-won 238
232 This also creates a compelling need for the highest-ranking cadres to absolutely obey Kim
Jong-un. To do otherwise would jeopardize the family wealth. For them, defending the regime is the same
thing as defending their right to survival and vested interests.
233 For more information on these connections, see Ken E. Gause, North Korea Under Kim
Chong-il: Power, Politics, and Prospects for Change, op. cit.
234 In May 2015, Kim Jong-chol was seen in London attending an Eric Clapton concert. The fact
that he was allowed to travel abroad in a period of tension within the regime following the purge of Hyon
Yong-chol suggested to some Pyongyang-watchers that he does not hold a critical position within the regime.
235 “Kim Il-sung’s Love Child Works for N. Korea’s Foreign Ministry,” The Chosun Ilbo, July 2, 2015.
236 Bill Gertz, “North Korea Elite Linked to Crime,” The Washington Times, May 24, 2010.
237 “N. Korea’s ‘Bonghwajo’ Club Doing Drugs, Counterfeiting,” Dong-A Ilbo, April 18, 2011.
238 “Power Struggle Said Behind DPRK’s Uncompromising Stance on Missile Launch,” Zakzak
Online, April 10, 2012. This article notes that O Se-won is the head of the Torch Group (Bong-hwa-jo),
which is involved in illicit drugs. It also contends that O was allied with Ri Yong-ho, the former Chief of
the GSD.
Ken E. Gause
113