In 2017, Kim Yo-jong was made an alternate member of the politburo,[20] only the second woman to be appointed to this decision-making body.[21] As it was previously speculated,[22] her ascension to the country's supreme governing body may indicate that she is Kim Jong-un’s replacement for his aunt, Kim Kyong-hui (with whom Kim Yo-jong is said to have a good relationship),[4] who has not played an active role in his regime.[23] It has also been hinted that her newly assigned position would also put her in charge of the State Security Department.[24]