Kim Jong-un promotes ex-girlfriend to a position in government's powerful inner circle

Kim Jong-Un has promoted his pop-star ex-girlfriend to a position in his government's powerful inner circle.

Hyon Song-wol, the former leader of Moranbong, an all-female pop group and North Korea's version of the Spice Girls, was promoted to the Workers Party's Central Committee on Saturday.

The move comes during a major shakeup of the nation's government as Kim promotes a number of close aides to positions of power, according to Daily Mail.

Hyon courted controversy during a trip to China, in December 2012, when she refused to play because Chinese officials demanded a change of Moranbong's repertoire.

The performer was said to storm off stage and ordered her band-mates to pack up and leave after the group was asked to change their routine and the backdrop of images of missile launches.

One source said: "She was probably acting on orders, but that she was able to blatantly refuse China's demands shows the amount of trust Kim Jong-un has in her."

Moranbong were unveiled in 2012 and supposedly put together by Kim himself.

Moranbong were unveiled in 2012 and supposedly put together by Kim himself. Photo / AP

The band, which is believed to have around 18 members, was likely designed to try to show a modernisation of the arts in North Korea.

While Hyon has been chosen for a higher role, others benefiting from Kim's shake-up include his sister Kim Yo Jong, 30.

It marks a return to favour two years after she was fired as Kim's propaganda chief due to a series of security blunders at rallies around the country.