Why North Korea is Removing Traces of Kim Jong-un’s Biological
Mother on Her 20th Death Anniversary
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Kim Jong-un's biological mother, Ko Yong-hui's death (May 24). North Korea has recently started recalling and deleting videos related to her, sparking interest as it seems aimed at removing traces of Kim Jong-un's Korean-Japanese heritage. The goal appears to be minimizing any negative impact on the 'Mount Paektu bloodline' legitimacy while focusing on idolizing Kim Jong-un and preparing for the fourth generation succession.
According to a report by Radio Free Asia on the 31st of last month, North Korean authorities have begun recalling and deleting the video 'Mother of Great Songun Korea,' which is related to Kim Jong-un’s biological mother. This propaganda video, created in the first half of 2012 during Kim Jong-un’s first year in power, was designed to idolize Ko Yong-hui and distributed to officials by North Korean propaganda authorities.
A scene from the video 'Mother of Great Songun Korea,' featuring Kim Jong-il and Ko Yong-hui,
distributed to officials in early 2012. / Video capture.
However, the distribution of the video was halted around 2015-2016 due to concerns that revealing Ko Yong-hui's Korean-Japanese origins and her status as not being Kim Jong-il's official wife was counterproductive to the idolization efforts.
Despite stopping the distribution, it is reported that North Korea quietly continued to foster an atmosphere of praise for Ko Yong-hui internally.
In the video 'Mother of Great Songun Korea,' Ko Yong-hui is shown guiding a young Kim Jong-un
in his drawing. / Video capture.
The learning materials for North Korean military political officers, released by Monthly Chosun in December 2019, include a statement from 'Pyongyang’s Mother' (Ko Yong-hui) saying, "People should have a conscience. If you are trusted, it is your moral duty to honor that trust." The materials urge officers to reflect on their loyalty to their Supreme Leader, noting that disloyal actions arise from failing to internalize this principle.
In November 2020, on 'Mother’s Day,' a song titled 'Thank You, Thank You,' which idolizes Ko Yong-hui, became popular among North Korean women, according to Daily NK. Created by the North Korean People's Army Art Troupe, the song was performed at events like the 'Art Festival of the Korean People's Army' in the early 2010s when Kim Jong-il was alive. This sparked speculation that North Korean authorities were cautiously starting an idolization campaign for Ko Yong-hui while keeping her background discreet.
North Korea reportedly screened a video idolizing Ko Yong-hui at the National Mothers Meeting last November. Sources say Kim Jong-un attended the 5th National Meeting of Mothers, where the video was shown to officials. In his opening speech, Kim Jong-un said, “Whenever I find it difficult to manage party and state affairs, I always think of mothers. Their courage and dedication have instilled in me a sense of duty, immense responsibility, and strength.” Kim Jong-un reportedly shed tears, highlighting his mother’s love. This has led to speculation that the release of Ko Yong-hui’s idolization video indicates Kim Jong-un’s official biography might soon be released.
Kim Jong-un wipes his tears with a handkerchief while listening to a speech at the National Mothers Meeting
held in Pyongyang in November 2023. / Korean Central Television
North Korea kept Kim Jong-un’s biological mother largely under wraps due to her background. Born in 1952 in Osaka, Japan, Ko Yong-hui moved to North Korea at age 10 with her parents. She became a dancer for the Mansudae Art Troupe and caught Kim Jong-il's eye. She then lived with him for 28 years, giving birth to Kim Jong-chol, Kim Jong-un, and Kim Yo-jong. However, since she was not an official wife, she was not recognized by the public or even by Kim Il-sung, and lived a secluded life until her death from breast cancer in 2004.
Ko Yong-suk, who cared for young Kim Jong-un and Yo-jong in Switzerland, defected to the U.S. with her husband. This added to Ko Yong-hui’s background, highlighting her Korean-Japanese heritage and defector ties.
Perhaps because he was aware of his biological mother’s Korean-Japanese origins, North Korea has shown special interest in the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan. On the 25th of last month, Rodong Sinmun featured an article on the association's 69th anniversary, quoting Kim Jong-il saying, “I am always with you, and we must share our fate as one family.” Kim Jong-un also referred to them as “our people living abroad,” giving it special significance. In May 2012, his first year in power, Kim Jong-un designated November 16th as Mother’s Day and made it a public holiday.
The recent recall and deletion of videos about Ko Yong-hui, just six months after North Korea unsealed them, suggest that preparations for Kim Jong-un’s official biography are still incomplete.
A source suggested that North Korea sees idolizing Kim Jong-un's mother as unfeasible due to suspicions. Revealing her Korean-Japanese biography could undermine the legitimacy of the Mount Paektu bloodline as Kim Jong-un builds his own personality cult.