Key facts
- Kim Jong Un has never publicly named his mother, Ko Yong Hui, during his 15 years in power.
- Ko Yong Hui was born in Japan to ethnic Korean parents, a background considered problematic by North Korea's regime.
- Her family's status as 'Zainichi Koreans' placed them in the 'wavering class' within North Korea's songbun hierarchy.
- Despite her controversial lineage, Ko Yong Hui became Kim Jong Il's mistress and mother to Kim Jong Un.
- Ko Yong Hui's background challenges the regime's narrative of a pure 'Mount Paektu' bloodline, crucial for its legitimacy.
- Ko Yong Hui died in 2004, and her death was not officially acknowledged by North Korean state media.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un maintains strict secrecy around his mother, Ko Yong Hui, a topic that remains a significant mystery due to her controversial background. Ko Yong Hui was born in Osaka, Japan, to parents who were originally from Jeju Island, South Korea. Her family were among the 'Zainichi Koreans,' ethnic Koreans who immigrated to Japan during its colonial rule of the peninsula. They later moved to North Korea as part of a resettlement scheme.
In North Korea's rigid social hierarchy, known as songbun, individuals with backgrounds like Ko Yong Hui's are classified as 'jjaepo,' belonging to the 'wavering class.' This designation subjects them to state surveillance and limits their access to education and employment, starkly contrasting with the regime's promoted narrative of a pure and sacred 'Mount Paektu' bloodline, which is central to the Kim dynasty's legitimacy.
Despite her background, Ko Yong Hui became a favored mistress of Kim Jong Il and mothered three children with him, including Kim Jong Un. Although she never married Kim Jong Il and their union was not officially recognized, she lived a life of privilege, reportedly referred to as a 'Cinderella-like life.' However, she was never acknowledged by Kim Il Sung, and photos of her and her children were not publicly circulated.
Following Kim Il Sung's death, Kim Jong Il rose to power, and Ko Yong Hui became the country's de facto first lady. She accompanied him on official duties and was reportedly consulted on policy decisions. An official documentary featuring her was produced but never publicly released, and its later leak to citizens only heightened curiosity about her identity and background.
Ko Yong Hui died of breast cancer in Paris in 2004, and her death was not mentioned by North Korean state media. Her background posed a potential threat to the regime's legitimacy, especially concerning the succession of her son, Kim Jong Un. While Kim Jong Il's official wife had two daughters, and other potential heirs like Kim Jong Nam and Kim Jong Chul were sidelined due to political issues or personal struggles, Kim Jong Un ultimately secured the succession. He has since entrusted significant power to his sister, Kim Yo Jong.