North Korean leader's powerful sister promoted to party department director at congress

The decision was made Monday at the first plenary meeting of the ninth central committee of the ruling party, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

Kim was also reinstated as an alternate member of the central committee’s political bureau after a five-year absence.

KCNA did not specify which party department she will head, but she is likely to continue overseeing inter-Korean affairs.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry said it is closely monitoring whether she assumes a greater role in relations with Seoul or an external strategy, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The plenary session, chaired by Kim Jong Un, also elected key leadership bodies including the Political Bureau, Secretariat and Central Military Commission and began discussions on a new five-year policy plan.

Kim said at the meeting that the newly elected leadership faces a “heavy and sacred duty” in carrying out the goals set by the latest party congress.

He acknowledged that the coming five years may bring difficult internal and external conditions but stressed the need to maintain strategic initiatives, strengthen state power and improve living standards.