How North Korea Picks a Leader and Who Might Be Next

North Korea has been ruled by the Kim family since it was founded after World War II. Succession has happened only twice, with the sitting leader anointing one of his sons to be the next in charge after his death. But this time around, as rumors swirl about leader Kim Jong Un’s health, and with the country on a path for its worst economic contraction in more than two decades, there is no heir apparent. The best person for the job may be Kim’s sister Kim Jo Yong, who has outshone any potential rivals in the male-dominated dynasty.

So far it’s been straightforward. Kim Il Sung, the first leader installed by the Soviet Union, selected his son Kim Jong Il, who later selected his son, the current incumbent. Before the transition, the heir is groomed and moves into prominent positions in the state apparatus, while the propaganda machine kicks into high gear to build the legend that will support the cult of personality.