Kim Jong Un’s top aide reemerges after absence triggered rumors of punishment



News Kim Jong Un’s top aide reemerges after absence triggered rumors of punishment Jo Yong Won’s attendance at event in Pyongyang offers few clues about disappearance, with experts disagreeing on cause Seung-Yeon Chung April 28, 2025 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON Jo Yong Won made an appearance at an exhibition of products from newly built regional factories \| Image: Voice of Korea (April 27, 2025) Jo Yong Won, one of Kim Jong Un’s closest aides, reappeared in state media on Sunday after two months out of public view, an extended absence that spurred speculation about his possible demotion or punishment for corruption. But Jo’s comeback at a product exhibition in Pyongyang provided relatively few clues as to why he went missing in the first place, with experts disagreeing on whether his disappearance was for political reeducation or had nothing to do with behind-the-scenes power struggles. Jo Yong Won, one of Kim Jong Un’s closest aides, reappeared in state media on Sunday after two months out of public view, an extended absence that spurred speculation about his possible demotion or punishment for corruption. But Jo’s comeback at a product exhibition in Pyongyang provided relatively few clues as to why he went missing in the first place, with experts disagreeing on whether his disappearance was for political reeducation or had nothing to do with behind-the-scenes power struggles. Try unlimited access Only $1 for four weeks Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts. Subscribe now All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time. © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by And how should we address you in correspondence? One more step! Please check your inbox, for an email we just sent you, and click on the confirmation message in it to get subscribed to our Daily News Update. Trending

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Kim Jong Un’s top aide reemerges after absence triggered rumors of punishment

Jo Yong Won’s attendance at event in Pyongyang offers few clues about disappearance, with experts disagreeing on cause

Seung-Yeon Chung April 28, 2025

Kim Jong Un’s top aide reemerges after absence triggered rumors of punishment

Jo Yong Won made an appearance at an exhibition of products from newly built regional factories | Image: Voice of Korea (April 27, 2025)

Jo Yong Won, one of Kim Jong Un’s closest aides, reappeared in state media on Sunday after two months out of public view, an extended absence that spurred speculation about his possible demotion or punishment for corruption.

But Jo’s comeback at a product exhibition in Pyongyang provided relatively few clues as to why he went missing in the first place, with experts disagreeing on whether his disappearance was for political reeducation or had nothing to do with behind-the-scenes power struggles.

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Kim Jong Un’s top aide reemerges after absence triggered rumors of punishment

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