He is a close associate of Kim Jong Eun's aunt Kim Kyong Hui and uncle Jang Song Thaek and had gradually moved back into more senior roles over the past few years.

WSJ: U.S. Moves Missile-Defense Ship Near Korea

At the time of the younger Mr. Kim's public debut in September 2010, his father announced appointments for three of his contemporaries his sister Kim Kyong Hui, her husband, Jang Song Thaek, and a trusted general Ri Yong Ho as a kind of protectorate around the son.

WSJ: Dictator's Death Stokes Fears

Jang said he believed China was supporting sanctions in response to attempts by North Korea's military to claw back power it had lost under the regency rule of Kim Jong Un's uncle Jang Song-taek and his aunt Kim Kyong-hui.

CNN: How does North Korea make its money?