SEOUL, South Korea — Recent insights from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) have pointed to a notable development: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s teenage daughter may soon be recognized as his successor.
As North Korea prepares for a major political event, the Workers’ Party Congress, speculation about her role has intensified. Lawmaker Lee Seong Kweun, who attended a closed-door briefing, shared that NIS is watching for signs of Kim Ju Ae’s presence at this gathering. The Congress is a significant platform where Kim Jong Un is expected to reveal his plans for the country in the coming years.
Kim Ju Ae, believed to be around 13, first appeared in public during a missile test in November 2022. Since then, she has joined her father at various state functions, including military parades and meetings with foreign leaders. This growing visibility has led experts to view her as a possible heir, which was underscored when she visited Kumsusan Palace—an important site for the Kim family dynasty.
In a shift from previous assessments, the NIS now describes Kim Ju Ae as being in the “successor-designate stage.” This change suggests her role is evolving from mere exposure to potential leadership training, particularly given her involvement in significant military events and policy discussions.
Despite her rising profile, not much is known about her. North Korea’s state media have never disclosed her name, opting instead for titles like “most beloved child.” The name Kim Ju Ae emerged from a former NBA star’s account of a visit to North Korea in 2013.
Historically, North Korea has been ruled by males from the Kim family since its inception in 1948. Kim Jong Un himself became heir in 2010 at just 26 years old. His daughter’s early introduction to the political stage may reflect his own unexpected rise to power.
Some analysts suggest that upcoming events, particularly the Workers’ Party Congress, could provide crucial information about the future. Kim Jong Un might assert his daughter’s role in a more implicit manner, alluding to North Korea’s legacy of successful leadership succession, rather than formally appointing her.
The dynamics surrounding Kim Ju Ae point to a broader conversation about gender roles in leadership, especially in a patriarchal society like North Korea. While traditionally women have not been seen in such positions, her visibility may signal a shift in how leadership is perceived in the regime.
With Kim Jong Un’s health being an ongoing concern, the world will be watching closely as North Korea navigates these potential transitions.
For further insights, you can explore the recent analysis by the Sejong Institute.
