The "Queen Mother" of North Korea - Ko Ying-hee, a mysterious woman who was born in Japan but left a deep mark in North Korea. What role does the Japanese-made Korean "Queen Mother" play behind the scenes of history?
Kim Jong-un's mother
In the long history of North Korea, in 2010, at the age of 26, Kim Jong-un was elected vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the DPRK, officially embarking on the journey to the pinnacle of power. The influence of a key figure behind this achievement cannot be ignored - his mother, Gao Yingji.
As early as 1999, North Korea began to promote the great image of Mrs. Kim Jong-il, and Ko Yong-hee was portrayed as Kim Jong-il's most trusted person, a heroic and fearless woman who supported North Korea.
In 2012, when Kim Jong-un officially inherited power, he did not forget to make a documentary for his mother, Ko Young-hee, which compiled and broadcast clips of her and Kim Jong-il's life, giving the North Korean people the first insight into the mysterious lady behind the far-reaching influence. Affectionately known as "Mother Pyongyang" and praised as Kim Jong-il's most loyal supporter, her story and image quickly spread among North Korean circles.
Gao Yingji's image is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and even affects the army. Her image was made into a song to be celebrated, and her picture was hung as a sign of reverence for her great image. Ko Young-hee is Kim Jong-il's third wife, how did they come together?
Kim Jong Il and Hong Il Qian: A family story at the beginning
The year 1966 marked an important turning point in the history of Korean society. At that time, Hong Il-si entered the family of the country's top leader as the first wife of Kim Jong-il, and she was Kim Jong-il's first partner.
After movies became popular, Kim Jong Il's love for movies almost reached the point of addiction, often spending a lot of time watching movies of various genres. The characters in the film deeply attracted him, and he found a kind of spiritual solace in the midst of his busy political life. It was in this context that a film actor named Cheng Huilin came into his field of vision.
Cheng Huilin enjoyed a high reputation in the film industry of that era. Her image often appears on the screen, bringing countless moving stories to the audience. Kim Jong Il became interested in the actor after watching several movies starring Sung Hye-rim.
Although Kim Jong-il and Sung Hui-rim both have their own families and children, the feelings between the two are quietly sprouting in unknown corners. This feeling was particularly complex and subtle in the social context of the time.
On the one hand, they are both public figures, and any fluctuations in their private lives may attract widespread attention and discussion from the outside world, and on the other hand, their feelings must also face strict social morals and family responsibilities. Under such double pressure, the relationship between Kim Jong-il and Sung Hui-lin gradually moved from behind the scenes to the public eye.
This unpromising love is particularly difficult because of the respective family backgrounds and social status of the two, as well as the various pressures and incomprehensions of the people around them. In North Korean society at that time, especially in the personal lives of senior leaders, there were generally conservative attitudes and attitudes.
The relationship between Kim Jong-il and Sung Hye-lin has become the focus of people's after-dinner discussions, and the relationship between the two has also put great pressure. Despite all the difficulties and challenges, Kim Jong Il and Sung Hui Lin decided to cross moral and social boundaries and face the uncertainty of the future together.
Cheng Huilin: A Romance at a Turning Point
Kim Jong-il and Sung Hye-rim's relationship grew rapidly, and the two made a major decision to end their respective marriages and tie the knot. Traditionally, the dissolution of a marriage is an extremely sensitive and controversial event, especially for Kim Jong-il, who is at the top of the political hierarchy.
Cheng Huilin's choice means that she must completely disappear from public view, and all her aura and honor will disappear in an instant. At the same time, Kim Chong-il also stood on the cusp of public opinion for the first time because of this relationship. His father, Kim Il Sung, as the country's leader, had a complex and delicate attitude towards the relationship.
Although the two are married and welcome their eldest son, Kim Jong-nam, the marriage is still not immune to social skepticism and tensions within the family. Kim Jong Nam's birth was supposed to bring new hope and joy to Kim Jong Il's family, but this joy was drowned out by the constant doubts from the outside world and the discordant voices within the family.
Although Kim Jong-il and Sung Hye-rim tried to keep their relationship stable, external pressures, discord within the family, and Kim Il-sung's attitude all posed great challenges to the marriage.
Ko Young-hee: The beginning of a new chapter
With the emergence of Ko Young-hee, Kim Jong-il's life has ushered in a new color. Not only is Ko Young-hee young and energetic, but her family background and personal identity are also somewhat recognized by the Kim Jong Il family, especially Kim Il Sung. Ko Young-hee's father is a well-known judo master in Japan.
In foreign land, he gained a prominent position and respect for his efforts and talents. However, in the face of the call of his motherland, he resolutely gave up his privileged life in Japan and chose to return to North Korea to devote himself to the promotion and development of judo. This act is seen as a noble act of patriotism.
In Kim Il Sung's view, the choice of Ko Young-hee's father was a manifestation of loyalty and devotion to the country and the nation. Although the love story between Ko Young-hee and Kim Jong-il was initially carried out in secret, the affection between the two gradually deepened in the gradual deepening of the relationship.
At that time, Kim Jong-il's personal life was under great scrutiny, and any fluctuation in his feelings could cause widespread discussion in the outside world. As a result, their relationship remained highly secrecy in its initial stages. However, over time, Kim Il Sung's attitude towards the relationship changed.
He began to recognize Ko Young-hee, and Ko Young-hee's unmarried and childless status also made her more able to integrate seamlessly after joining Kim Jong-il's family.
Jiu-Jitsu Patriot: Ko Young-hee's Autobiographical Perspective
Ko Young-hee's account in her autobiography "Jiu-Jitsu Patriot" unveils the veil of her deep affection with Kim Jong-il that night, when the wind and snow were blowing, and Kim Jong-il waited for Ko Young-hee in the cold wind, a scene that was deeply imprinted in her memory. Since that night, Ko Young-hee's life has changed dramatically.
She has gone from being a relatively ordinary existence in the eyes of the public to an important figure around Kim Jong-il. However, despite her significant elevation, Ko has all but disappeared from public view. She has opted for a more low-key lifestyle and is hardly ever involved in public activities of any kind.
Over the next few years, Ko Young-hee's life revolved almost entirely around Kim Jong-il and his family. Her support for Kim Jong-il is not only reflected in the bits and pieces of daily life, but also in her understanding and encouragement of his political career.
Over time, Ko Young-hee gradually became Kim Jong-il's indispensable companion. Although she rarely appears in public, her presence has had a profound impact on Kim Jong-il. The character of Ko Young-hee, although it seems quite mysterious to the outside world, is extremely real and important in Kim Jong-il's life.
In 1999, Gao Yingji gradually became known to the public due to health reasons. This year, as her health became more and more serious, her identity and relationship with Kim Jong-il began to receive more attention and discussion from the outside world. The public is beginning to realize that the long-unknown woman who supported Kim Jong-il behind the scenes is actually an extremely important figure in his life.
Farewell: Ko Young-hee's passing
In 2004, Gao Yingji's life ushered in the most difficult challenge. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, she chose to travel to France for treatment, hoping to find a way to overcome it. That year, Kim Jong-il's heart was full of worry and unease, while Ko Young-hee showed incredible courage and tenacity.
In the process of battling the disease, she has always maintained her love for life and deep affection for her family. Although Ko Young-hee received state-of-the-art treatment, the deterioration of her condition eventually dashed all hopes. Her death was a huge blow to Kim Jong-il, and for the North Korean country, the death of Ko Young-hee was also a loss.
Although she rarely appeared in public during her lifetime, her contributions to her family, her quiet support for the country, and her love story with Kim Jong Il have earned her a place in the country's history.
North Korean propaganda has hailed Ms. Ko as "the greatest mother," a title that transcends personal meaning and becomes a social recognition of her contributions during her lifetime. Her image is portrayed as a model of silent dedication to her family, love, and country, and her story is told and celebrated, becoming an inspirational force.
Education of children
During the reign of Kim Jong-il, North Korea experienced ups and downs, social unrest, and frequent economic hardships. Ko Young-hee always stood by Kim Jong-il's side, and her unwavering support and unconditional loyalty became the source of the Kim family's strength.
Ko Young-hee's influence goes far beyond that, and her loyalty to the Kim family not only strengthens the Kim family's power base, but also plays an irreplaceable role in the growth of Kim Jong-un and Kim Yo-jong. With her cheerful and friendly personality and patient and restrained parenting style, Ko Young-hee has created a warm and harmonious family environment that gives Kim Jong-chol, Kim Jong-un and Kim Yo-jong a full sense of security.
Kim Jong-il has placed his trust in her and has given her enough freedom to take her children out of North Korea and travel to Europe to enjoy the joy of Disneyland, and these experiences have undoubtedly enriched their horizons.
After coming to power, Kim Jong-un was hailed as the most powerful post-80s leader, and he took decisive measures to stabilize North Korea's political situation, by fighting corruption, strengthening military cooperation with Russia, and actively seeking allies on the international stage, Kim Jong-un showed a new face of North Korea.
Not only did he put forward a number of policies to revitalize the economy, but he even planned to develop tourism, showing the open side of North Korea. As for his policy toward South Korea, Kim Jong-un has maintained a firm and tough attitude. Kim Yo-jong, Kim Jong-un's younger sister, also inherited the courage and determination of the Kim family.
Her tough stance in meetings with South Korea's presidents, as well as her direct challenge to the United States, demonstrated the Kim family's characteristic leadership style. The personalities and styles of Kim Jong-un and Kim Yo-jong are inseparable from Ko Young-hee's education.
Ko Young-hee is well aware that as Kim Jong-il's spouse, she has a great responsibility on her shoulders, and her children's behavior is not only affecting North Korea, but also being a role model for children across the country. Therefore, hailing Ko Young-hee as the "Queen Mother" who influenced the direction of North Korea is a true portrayal of her influence.