Experts speculate the North Korean leader’s dependence on her during his illness may further bolster her political clout. “If Kim Jong Il can’t communicate with others, her role will be larger,” said Kang Jung-mo, a North Korea expert at Kyung Hee University.

Little is known about her. Kim Jong Il is believed to have had three wives before taking Kim Ok as his consort several years ago. She reportedly accompanied the leader on his secret visit to China in 2006. She is said to be a pianist in her 40s who has served as the leader’s secretary since the 1980s.

Furthering the intrigue, Kim’s late wife, Ko Yong Hi, mother of his two younger sons, hand-picked Kim Ok to replace her when she was dying of cancer, according to South Korea’s JoongAng Ilbo newspaper.