Analysis of the state secrecy surrounding Kim Jong Un's mother

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has never publicly discussed his mother, Ko Yong Hui. Analysts and defectors cited by the BBC suggest that this silence is a calculated political move to protect the legitimacy of the Kim dynasty. The regime's propaganda relies on the 'sacred bloodline' myth associated with Mount Paektu, which links the leadership to the mythical founder of the Korean nation. Acknowledging details about Ko Yong Hui could potentially challenge this narrative, as the dynasty seeks to maintain its image of divine authority. While official state propaganda claims Kim Jong Il was born on Mount Paektu, historical records suggest he was likely born in the Soviet Union. Former North Korean diplomat Ryu Hyun-woo noted that Kim Jong Un was identified as a successor in his early twenties. The regime strictly prohibits public references to the leader's maternal origins to avoid undermining the foundation of his inherited power.