North Korea has never publicised who would follow leader
Kim Jong Un in the event he is incapacitated, and with no details known about his young children, analysts say his sister and loyalists could form a regency until a successor is old enough to take over.
Each change of leadership in
North Korea has raised the prospect of a leadership vacuum or collapse of the Kim dynasty, which has ruled the country since its founding in 1948.
The following are key figures in the North Korean leadership circle and what role they may play in any future transition.