Kim Yo-jong’s promotion to head of the General Affairs Department of the Workers’ Party of Korea Central Committee has been officially confirmed following her elevation during the party’s 9th Congress.
On February 28, the party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported that General Secretary Kim Jong Un presented key leadership officials and military commanders with a special gift: a newly developed next-generation sniper rifle produced by the National Defense Science Institute. The presentation took place on February 27 at the Party Central Committee headquarters. Kim stated that this is a testament to the absolute trust placed in those who have faithfully carried out the historic mission entrusted by the Party, the revolution, the homeland, and the people.
The newspaper listed the gift recipients, including members of the Workers’ Party Central Military Commission, top military brass, the commander of the Korean People’s Army’s combined unit, and guard unit commanders. Notably, Kim Yo-jong was explicitly named as the head of the General Affairs Department of the Party Central Committee alongside Politburo standing members Jo Yong-won and Kim Jae-ryong, marking the first public acknowledgment of her new role.
While Kim Yo-jong’s promotion to department head was announced during the 9th Party Congress, her specific responsibilities and department remained undisclosed at that time.
Previously, North Korean media had only referred to her as department head, leaving her exact position unclear. This latest report confirms her leadership of the General Affairs Department, suggesting she now occupies a pivotal role overseeing the Party’s organizational and administrative operations.
According to reports, Kim personally presented weapon certificates to each official and later participated in shooting exercises with the new sniper rifles at a range. North Korean officials reportedly pledged their unwavering loyalty, vowing to honor the trust and expectations placed in them.