North Korea: Mystery Over Kim Jong-Un Lady

By Lisa Holland, foreign affairs correspondent, in Beijing 

The leader of the world's most reclusive nation has set tongues wagging over the identity of a mystery companion.

Kim Jong Un has been pictured with a mystery woman.

Kim Jong-Un has been shown on North Korean state television at an official ceremony with a young woman by his side.

Speculation is rife as to who the woman is. With Kim Jong-Un assuming the leadership of North Korea following the death of his father Kim Jong-Il late last year, people are speculating whether North Korea has got - or is about to get - a new first lady.

The same woman was seen sitting next to Kim Jong-Un at a concert a day earlier. The appearances have made front page news in South Korea but there is also speculation the woman may be Mr Kim rarely seen sister.

The mystery woman accompanied Kim Jong to several public engagements.

The presence of the woman at two events in quick succession has sparked interest as so little is known about the leader and his country. It is unclear even what his exact age is or whether he is married.

It is thought he was born in 1983 or 1984.

The woman at his side was dressed in a black suit, with short hair and probably in her twenties. She was seen bowing with Mr Kim as part of a ceremony to mark the 18th anniversary of the death of Kim Il-Sung, the country's founder.

In North Korea, the family dynasty heads a secretive communist regime which tolerates no dissent. It is of so much interest to the outside world because of its reclusive nature and nuclear programme.

The state is yet to reveal the identity of the pictured companion.

When Kim Jong-Un came to power, he said he would suspend long-range missile tests in order to receive US food aid - then announced plans for a rocket launch which went ahead unsuccessfully in April.

Western leaders and North Korea's neighbours are trying to build up a picture of the new young leader - who he is and what his political intentions are.

He took up the mantle of North Korea's supreme leadership with little political or military leadership experience behind him. Kim Jong-Il was in the process of grooming his son as his successor when he died. Kim Jong-Un was immediately hailed as "the great successor".