Kim Yo-jong, the younger sister of leader Kim Jong-un, issued the first directive to the army as deputy chairman of the Korean Workers' Party Propaganda Department.

Kim Yo-jong sent a letter to each military unit on December 17, emphasizing that they need to pay more attention to the health of female soldiers, according to sources familiar with the matter.

"Rechargeable batteries can pose a health risk because of their chemical content. Therefore, they should be kept in designated areas," the letter said. "Each barracks also needs to pay special attention to the health and work status of female soldiers."

Kim Kyong-hui and Ko Yong-hui were in charge of improving the living and working conditions for female soldiers before Kim Yo-jong. Kim Kyong-hui is Kim Jong-un and Yo-jong's aunt, while Ko Yong-hui is the mother of the North Korean leader and his younger sister.

North Korean experts say Kim Yo-jong, 31, has stepped into the center of power at a younger age than previous generations. She took the position of vice chair of the Propaganda Department in November 2014 and then replaced Kim Ki-nam as the actual leader of the agency in July 2015.

Former North Korean diplomat Thae Yong-ho, a fugitive, said in 2017 that Kim Yo-jong was behind the propaganda campaigns to build a personal image for his brother. She hosts all major public events in North Korea, encouraging her brother Kim Jong-un to show the image of "people's leadership".

The National Intelligence Service of South Korea in June submitted a report to the National Assembly Intelligence Committee saying that Kim Yo-jong had been "brought into the national leadership ranks", a significant step up from the role. former receptionist for his brother.