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Kim Jong Un's little sister named to top leadership post in North Korea

Kim Yo Jong, 26, said to be taking the strategic place held by their aunt, who has disappeared since her husband's execution.

By Scott Smith
China's state television shows footage of Kim Jong-un saluting his father North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il's body during a state funeral in Pyongyang December 28, 2011. China offered its "deep condolences" on the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il, which analysts said will spur China's leaders to boost ties with Pyongyang to prevent instability. UPI/Stephen Shaver
China's state television shows footage of Kim Jong-un saluting his father North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il's body during a state funeral in Pyongyang December 28, 2011. China offered its "deep condolences" on the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il, which analysts said will spur China's leaders to boost ties with Pyongyang to prevent instability. UPI/Stephen Shaver | License Photo

PYONGYANG, North Korea, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's little sister has been named to a top leadership post in her brother's reclusive authoritarian regime.

North Korea's official KCNA news agency revealed on Thursday that Kim Yo Jong, said to be 26 years old, is "vice department director" in the ruling Worker's Party central committee. She was first seen at her father Kim Jong Il's funeral in 2011.

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Kim appeared with her brother at a cartoon studio founded by their grandfather, Kim Il Sung. While at the nearly 60-year-old studio, the Supreme Leader urged the animators to create films keeping with the "true intention of the party." He also said the North Korean people would like to see the current 50-part film "The Boy General" turned into a 100-part cartoon.

Kim Yo Jong is believed to be taking the strategic place of her aunt, a former high-ranking advisor who has disappeared since the siblings' uncle was executed.

One North Korean expert tells the Independent Kim's appointment is a sign her brother is "in dire need of allies."

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"If he is forced to appoint his sister, who is both younger than him and a woman, then he doesn't have enough people to rely on," said Remco Breuker, professor of Korean studies at Leiden University.

Breuker suggests it's possible such an appointment means Kim Jong Un has enough power to do as he wishes, but "strong leaders aren't absent from the public for six weeks without any reason."

Kim Jong Un has returned to visibility recently sporting a cane, with official reports claiming that he suffered an ankle injury.

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