SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Lawmakers were informed by South Korea’s intelligence agency on Thursday that they believe Kim Jong Un’s teenage daughter is nearing designation as the future leader of North Korea, potentially continuing the family dynasty into a fourth generation. This statement comes as North Korea prepares for its largest political conference later this month, where Kim is expected to outline significant policy goals for the coming five years and reaffirm his authoritarian control.
During a private briefing, officials from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) indicated they are closely observing Kim’s daughter, reportedly named Kim Ju Ae and roughly 13 years old. They are watching whether she will appear with her father at the upcoming Workers’ Party Congress, as stated by lawmaker Lee Seong Kweun, who participated in the meeting.
Kim Ju Ae first gained public attention in November 2022 during a long-range missile test and has increasingly appeared with her father at various significant events, including military parades and factory inaugurations. She accompanied him to Beijing in September for his first meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in six years, showcasing her growing public profile.
Speculation regarding her political future intensified when she participated in a visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang on New Year’s Day, a site of great significance that houses the embalmed bodies of her ancestors, the country’s first two leaders. This visit is seen by some experts as a strong indication that she may be positioned as the heir apparent to her father.
While initial skepticism from South Korean officials questioned the likelihood of her becoming a leader due to conservative traditions in North Korea, her increasing visibility in state media has led to a reevaluation of her potential role. The NIS’s most recent assessment has even referred to her status as being in a “successor-designate stage,” marking a notable shift in their stance.
Despite her rising profile, little is officially known about Kim Ju Ae, as North Korean media has never publicly confirmed her name, referring to her solely as Kim’s “respected” or “most beloved” child. Speculation about her being named Kim Ju Ae originates from former NBA player Dennis Rodman’s account of holding her during a visit to Pyongyang in 2013.
Kim Ju Ae’s increased participation in significant public events raises questions about succession plans within the ruling elite. Observations indicate that the upcoming party congress may serve as a platform for Kim Jong Un to formally cement her role as his successor, potentially by granting her a notable title, although such decisions may not be immediately made public.
