Kim Jong-chul apparently attended a concert by rock guitarist Eric Clapton in Singapore in 2011. Photo / AP
Kim Jong-chul apparently attended a concert by rock guitarist Eric Clapton in Singapore in 2011. Photo / AP
He's the concert loving older brother of one of the world's most brutal dictators.
Kim Jong-chul is quieter, less politically motivated and considered more effeminate, which is why some experts say his father never thought he'd be up to the top job.
The third of Kim Jong-il's five children, Jong-chul never stood a chance of ruling with an older brother and politically savvy younger sibling, Kim Jong-un.
And while speculation and rumours swirled the eldest Kim, Beijing-friendly Jong-nam, would one day succeed his father, Jong-chul has never seriously been considered as a likely ruler.
Jong-nam was poisoned in an assassination plot in February which Seoul claims was organised by North Korean agents.
Not only was he friendly with China, but some speculated he was being groomed to rule in exile with Beijing preferring him to his tougher dictator brother.
The 'shameful' brother
Kim Jong-un doesn't like any sort of threat or dissent which is one of the reasons he reportedly had his own uncle and half-brother killed.
Jong-nam had been approached about leading a government in exile, something he refused, according to Time.
He had lived in China for several years and was regarded by some as more liberal and open to reform than his younger sibling.
Many assumed Jong-nam was the natural heir apparent but he fell out of favour after he was caught trying to visit Japan on a fake passport in 2001.
The move brought great embarrassment to his father and ensured his exile.
Kim Jong-nam, the eldest son of Kim Jong-il, was assassinated in Malaysia in February 14, 2017. Photo / AP
Will Chul rule?
A less tougher Kim could be a win-win for China who could potentially exercise more influence over North Korea, however the reality is Jong-chul is unlikely to rule.
According to Dr Leonid Petrov, one of the world's leading experts on the reclusive regime, Jong-chul is known for having a "soft personality."
He is also regarded as much less of a threat to his brother than Jong-nam was.
"There are rumours he (Jong-chul) has feminine traits to his character and took hormones to help him behave more masculine," Dr Petrov said.
Kim Jong-chul is the third child of the Kim Jong-il. Photo / AP
"But Chul is also not interested in ruling, he's apolitical and instead prefers pop music and concerts, and travelling overseas accompanied by North Korean minders."
Dr Petrov said Jong-chul has never spoken publicly, unlike Jong-nam, which put him in a much safer position.
When asked if Beijing would prefer him as a ruler over Jong-un Dr Petrov said the reality was Beijing didn't have near as much influence over Pyongyang as people thought.
"China has very limited power and influence over North Korea, this is a big misconception people have," he said.
Pop music lover
In a 2015 article the Washington Postreported Jong-chul was spotted in London at an Eric Clapton concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
BBC journalist Simeon Paterson saw him and reportedly said: "He was having a great time, singing along to all the words."
Along with music, it appears he also likes the finer things in life.
During his visit to the British capital, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Jong-chul stayed at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel, where rooms can cost more than $3500 a night.
Not only did Jong-chul visit London to see his music idol but he also saw him at a concert in Singapore in 2011 and several times in Germany in 2006.
According to Dr Petrov, Jong-chul's role in the family dynasty is mainly serving his older sister Kim Sol-song, who takes over many duties for her ruler brother.
"Chul assists his sister who is a much more controlling person and runs things when Un is busy," he said.
"Korea is a very traditional society and while she is revolutionary bloodline and legitimate, she probably wouldn't rule either."
Road to influence
If one country has any influence or impact on Pyongyang, it is China.
However Dr Peter Layton, a visiting fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute at Griffith University, said how much was questionable.
He said while Beijing would prefer a more reasonable ruler, it didn't want to see North Korea collapse completely.
Kim was unpredictable and his country's nuclear growth was concerning to Beijing but he was unsure if it was capable or willing to install a new ruler who would listen.
"If there is a palace coup we would hope that will be the outcome but it might not," Dr Layton said.
"He (Jong-un) is paranoid. Trying to convince him his best chance of survival depends on him ending his nuclear program could be a better option."
