Kim Jong Un promotes younger sister after congress

SEOUL, May 10 (UPI) -- Kim Jong Un's younger sister has been appointed to the central committee of the Korean Workers' Party.

Kim Yo Jong, who is believed to be 28, already holds positions of power in the North Korean government, and is frequently seen by her brother's side during state trips around the country.

She is reportedly the deputy director of the Workers' Party and handles top priorities on behalf of North Korea's propaganda department.

Kim Yo Jong made her political debut in March 2014, when her name was mentioned following the election results of the Supreme People's Assembly, Yonhap reported.

Her rise to power is drawing comparisons to the rise then demise of her aunt Kim Kyong Hui, who went missing after her husband, Jang Sung Taek, was executed on charges of treason and corruption in late 2013.

As Kim Jong Il's sister, Kim Kyong Hui was a trusted confidante who was appointed a member of the party when she was in her early 40s, at a later stage in life than Kim Yo Jong.

Kim Kyong Hui's name has been missing from a list of North Korean Cabinet members since December.

Kim Yo Jong was seen Tuesday in Kim Il Sung Square, on stage with her brother to observe a military rally, according to South Korea press.

The younger Kim was seen collecting bouquets of flowers on behalf of her brother – a sign that could mean her role in the regime is changing. In previous appearances, Kim was seen walking a few steps behind her brother, or even at a farther distance.

Kim Yong-hyun, a professor of North Korean studies at Dongguk University in Seoul, said Kim Yo Jong is likely to play a more important role in the years ahead.

Political changes are sweeping across the North Korean landscape after the Seventh Party Congress.

Another development that affects senior officials is a change in official titles, South Korean news service News 1 reported.

Pyongyang's state newspaper Rodong Sinmun announced that the title of "secretary" is to be abolished and to be replaced with a new title – vice chairman.