The Sister

The Extraordinary Story of Kim Yo Jong, the Most Powerful Woman in North Korea

By: Sung-Yoon Lee

Narrated by: Dexter Galang

Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

Written by Dr Sung-Yoon Lee, a scholar and specialist on North Korea who has advised the US government, The Sister is a jaw-dropping account of the spectacular rise of Kim Yo Jong, de-facto deputy to her brother, Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, and the most powerful woman in North Korea.

In 2022, in a particularly fiery speech, Kim Yo Jong threatened to nuke South Korea, reminding the world of the dangers posed by her state. But how did the youngest daughter of Dear Leader Kim Jong Il, his ‘sweet princess’, become the ruthless chief propagandist, internal administrator and foreign policymaker for her brother’s totalitarian regime?

The Sister uncovers the truth about Kim Yo Jong, her close bond with Kim Jong Un and the lessons in manipulation they learned from their father. He also examines the iron grip the Kim dynasty has on their country, the grotesque deaths of family members deemed disloyal, and the signs that Kim Yo Jong has been positioned as her brother’s successor should he die while his own children are young.

This book is an invaluable portrait of a woman who might yet hold the survival of her despotic dynasty in her hands.

©2022 Sung-Yoon Lee (P)2022 Macmillan Publishers International Ltd

Critic reviews

Riveting, unique, policy-relevant narrative of the first order . . . Lee sees through the North Korean regime's antics, maskirovka, and propaganda – much of it the work of Kim Yo Jong – as does no other. A work of penetrating analysis, caustic wit, and elegant prose (James Stavridis, PhD., Admiral in US Navy (Retired), and former Supreme Allied Commander at NATO)

Extraordinarily well researched . . . an invaluable resource in understanding one of the most intriguing and least known figures in today’s North Korea (Stephen E. Biegun, United States Special Representative for North Korea, 2018-2021 and Deputy Secretary of State, 2021-2022 )

Dr Lee deftly skewers the misperceptions of Kim Yo Jong to insightfully assess her longstanding and powerful role. Comprehensive, provocative, and eloquently written. Should be required reading for policymakers and pundits trying to decipher the North Korean Game of Thrones (Bruce Klingner, former Deputy Division Chief for Korea, CIA; former North Korea Analyst, DIA, Senior Research Fellow, Asian Studies Center, The Heritage Foundation)