Kim Jong Un's Daughter May Be Next Leader of North Korea

South Korea's intelligence agency believes North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is preparing his young daughter to take over. The daughter has been seen more often with her father at important events. This suggests she might be chosen as the next leader.
By Newsroom | World News, East Asia |

Succession Questions Intensify Amidst Daughter's Growing Public Profile

South Korea's intelligence agency has informed lawmakers that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is preparing to designate his young daughter as his successor. This development, if confirmed, signals a potential fourth-generation hereditary transfer of power within the reclusive nation. The daughter, identified as Kim Ju Ae, has been increasingly visible alongside her father at significant public events, prompting intense speculation about her role in the country's future leadership. Her elevated profile, coupled with official pronouncements from Seoul's intelligence service, suggests a deliberate effort to groom her for a paramount position.

Kim Jong Un chooses teen daughter as heir, says Seoul - 1

Background and Timeline of Observations

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) of South Korea has been closely observing the public appearances of Kim Jong Un's daughter. Key events and observations noted by the NIS and relayed to lawmakers include:

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Kim Jong Un chooses teen daughter as heir, says Seoul - 2

  • September: Kim Ju Ae accompanied her father on a trip to Beijing, her first known international visit.

  • January: State media showed Ju Ae participating in ceremonies at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where the bodies of founder Kim Il Sung and former leader Kim Jong Il are interred. She was also seen with her father at military events, including a ballistic missile test.

  • Recent Weeks: Ju Ae has been pictured in increasingly prominent roles, including alongside both parents at New Year celebrations and inspecting military exercises.

Analysts suggest these public showings are deliberate, potentially mirroring Kim Jong Un's own experience of being rapidly elevated to power.

Kim Jong Un chooses teen daughter as heir, says Seoul - 3

Evidence of Succession Preparations

The NIS's assessment of Kim Ju Ae's imminent designation as heir is based on several factors:

Kim Jong Un chooses teen daughter as heir, says Seoul - 4

  • Increased Public Visibility: Ju Ae has been present at a number of high-profile events, often standing next to her father.

  • Protocol and Treatment: Lawmakers have been briefed that the level of protocol accorded to Ju Ae is being closely monitored, with some suggesting she is being treated as the de facto second-highest leader.

  • Policy Input: There are indications that Kim Ju Ae may have begun to offer opinions on government policy matters.

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"The NIS has detected signs that Kim Ju-ae is offering opinions on some policies while continuing to raise her profile through events such as Air Force Day ceremonies and visits to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun." - Lawmaker Lee Seong-kwon, member of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee.

Debates on the Nature and Timing of Designation

While South Korean intelligence believes a designation is underway, the precise nature and timing remain subjects of discussion.

Formal Designation vs. Current Stage

  • NIS Assessment: The agency stated that Ju Ae has entered the "heir designation stage" and is "close to being designated as the country’s future leader."

  • Previous NIS Wording: Previously, the NIS described her as being "in study as successor." The shift to "internally appointed successor" marks a notable progression.

Role of the Upcoming Party Congress

A landmark party conference is anticipated to be a venue for significant policy announcements and potential leadership changes.

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  • Monitoring Ju Ae's Attendance: The NIS will be keenly observing whether Kim Ju Ae attends this congress and the protocol afforded to her.

  • Subtle Signs: Some analysts suggest that any formal designation at the congress might be communicated through subtle indications rather than overt announcements.

Analysis of Ju Ae's Public Image and Potential Role

Kim Ju Ae, whose exact age is unconfirmed but believed to be around 13 or 14, has been presented in state media with distinct styling.

  • Appearance: She is often depicted with long hair and wearing designer clothing, which is unusual given North Korean society's restrictions and the country's economic conditions.

  • Softening Image: Her frequent appearances are seen by some as an effort to project a more approachable image of her father.

  • Potential Influence: Reports suggest she may be weighing in on policy discussions, indicating an active, rather than purely symbolic, role.

"Anoda lawmaker, Park Sun-won, say di role wey Miss Kim don take during public events show say she don start to contribute to policy decisions and dem dey treat her like di de facto second-highest leader." - BBC News Pidgin

Expert Perspectives and Interpretations

Experts are weighing the implications of these developments, noting the historical precedent and potential strategic reasons behind such a move.

  • Fourth Generation Succession: This would mark the continuation of the Kim family dynasty, which has ruled North Korea since its founding.

  • Rushed Succession: Some analysts propose that Kim Jong Un's early introduction of his daughter might stem from his own experience of being thrust into power at a young age.

"If Kim Jong Un does use the party congress to cement his daughter as successor, the signs would be more subtle," said Koh Yu-hwan, former president of South Korea’s Institute of National Unification.

Conclusion and Future Monitoring

South Korea's National Intelligence Service asserts that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is actively preparing his young daughter, Kim Ju Ae, to be his successor. This assessment is based on her increasing presence at state events, the level of protocol she receives, and indications of her involvement in policy discussions. The upcoming Workers' Party Congress is seen as a critical juncture where further signals of this potential succession may emerge. The NIS intends to maintain close observation of Ju Ae's activities, official treatment, and any changes in party regulations that could solidify her designated role. The long-term implications for North Korea's political landscape and governance remain a significant point of scrutiny.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Kim Jong Un choosing his daughter as the next leader?
South Korea's spy agency thinks he is getting his young daughter ready to be the next leader. She is appearing more in public with him.
Q: Who is Kim Jong Un's daughter?
Her name is Kim Ju Ae. She is believed to be about 13 or 14 years old.
Q: How do we know she might be the next leader?
She has been seen at many important events with her father, like military tests and big celebrations. This is more than usual for a child.
Q: What does South Korea's spy agency say?
They say she is in the stage of being named the heir and is close to being the future leader.