Who Is Ri Sol Ju? Everything We Know About Kim Jong Un's Wife

On February 2, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's wife Ri Sol Ju and an influential aunt Kim Kyong Hui made a public appearance in state media after a long time. Kim Jong Un's family usually makes rare public appearances. During the pandemic, they maintained a low profile. In this incident, the family along with the leader were attending an art performance at the Mansudea Art Theatre in Pyongyang, the capital city.

This was streamed on state television during the Lunar New Year holiday. Ri was last seen on September 9 while visiting the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on the country's founding anniversary. The Palace embalms the bodies of Kim's late grandfather and father. The official KCNA news agency said, "When (Kim) appeared at the auditorium of the theatre with his wife, Ri Sol Ju, amid the playing of the welcome music, the audience raised stormy cheers of 'Hurrah!"

The Financial Express reported that the TV footage showed that Ri was dressed in a traditional red and black hanbok dress and seen chatting while the couple shook hands and posed for pictures with the artists. This showed Kim's aunt who was not seen publicly since January 2020. She is a former senior official of the ruling Workers' Party, Kim Kyong Hui. She disappeared from the media after Kim ordered the execution of her husband Jang Song Thaek over treason charges in 2013.

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Not much is available on the public platform about Ri, as she has kept a low public profile. There have been times when she has been absent from state media for 12 months.

Who Is Ri Sol Ju?

She is Kim's wife and appears at state events and ceremonies alongside him. She had garnered international attention as she accompanied him on social, business and military outings, which was considered new as Kim's father Kim Jong II was rarely seen with his wives.

When she was absent from media attention, speculations were made on her health and potential pregnancy, which was later refuted by the NIS who said that she is preventing outside activities due to COVID-19.

Kim Jong Un Wife: Know More

Reportedly, she is in her 30s. The Wall Street Journal said that her presence during the outings is to ensure a family "family-friendly image" of Kim. She is the daughter of a professor and an obstetrician and is considered a fashion icon to North Korea's women.

Reportedly, Ri was a singer in Unhasu Orchestra and a student at Kim II Sung University before becoming Kim's wife. She was allegedly pursuing a PhD in science. They are reported to have three children, the eldest is a son.