TIL Desk/World/Seoul/ North Koreas leader, Kim Jong-un, has given his wife the title of first lady in what analysts say is a major boost to her status ahead of back-to-back summits with South Korea and US.
North Koreas state media referred to Ri Sol-ju as the respected first lady in its report on her weekend attendance of a Chinese ballet performance in Pyongyang, the first time the title has been used in more than 40 years.
North Koreas star anchorwoman Ri Chun-hee, who is often drafted in for major announcements, delivered the news of her attendance on television, further enhancing Ris standing.
Ri, a former star singer, emerged in 2012 and has been regarded as one of the most high-profile women in a deeply patriarchal nation, but with a limited role.
Analysts say her promotion is likely to be part of an effort to paint North Korea as a normal state as Kim prepares for summits with the South Korean and US presidents. It gives her a title matching that of Kim Jung-sook, South Koreas first lady, and Melania Trump.
The summit is being held as equals, so if Melania Trump attends, Ri will attend, said An Chan-il, a defector researcher.
