Children of the current and former North Korean power elite have secured key posts in the communist state’s military and party as part of the power succession to young leader Kim Jong-un, a source close to Pyongyang said Tuesday.

“The children of high-ranking party or military officials are mostly in their 40s to 50s. They have received a variety of perks by obtaining important posts and promotions because of their parents,” said the source, who requested anonymity.

“The children prefer the diplomacy and trade sectors, with about half of them working in those areas,” the source said.

Kang Yong-chol, a nephew of North Korea’s influential Jang Song-thaek, was appointed North Korean ambassador to Malaysia in 2010, even before he finished his four-year term as ambassador to Nepal. Jang, a four-star general and Kim Jong-un’s uncle, played a key role in cementing Kim’s power.

Ri Son-il, son of Ri Yong-ho, chief of the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army, and Cha Dong-sup, son-in-law of Kim Yong-chun, minister of the People’s Armed Forces, are heads of trade companies, attracting foreign currency and investment, the source said.

“Expanded benefits given to children of former and current senior officials show the regime’s efforts to secure loyalty to the third-generation power succession,” the source said.

“But there is much criticism that the privilege succession of this elite group will enrage many mid-level officials and ordinary North Korean people, eventually weakening the unity of the regime.”

The late leader and Kim Jong-un’s father, Kim Jong-il, died of a heart attack on Dec. 17, after assuming power in 1994 after the death of his father and North Korea’s founder Kim Il-sung.

Immediately after the funeral last month, Kim Jong-il’s youngest and untested son Jong-un rose to power, being named “the supreme commander” of the country’s 1.2 million-strong military.

By Kim Yoon-mi (yoonmi@heraldcorp.com)