The National Intelligence Service (NIS) of South Korea has reported that Kim Ju-ae, the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has entered a phase of being officially considered a successor. This assessment was shared during a report to the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee. The NIS noted Kim's increased visibility at military events and her role in expressing opinions on certain policies during inspections, indicating a rise in her stature within the North Korean regime, which has been gradually revealing its succession plans. Since the end of last year, her status has notably elevated to that of 'second in command' according to the NIS.

In addition to addressing Kim Ju-ae's advancements, the intelligence report also discussed the situation concerning North Korean military prisoners captured by Ukrainian forces. The NIS confirmed that there are currently no additional prisoners beyond the two already reported, and they are actively working to facilitate these prisoners' defections to South Korea. This effort includes ensuring that the prisoners' wishes are respected, involving the principle of 'voluntary repatriation' under international law. However, the NIS stated that their direct involvement in repatriation efforts would be limited regardless of any future prisoner exchange negotiations that might occur after the end of the Russia-Ukraine war.

On other fronts, the NIS reported the presence of approximately 10,000 North Korean soldiers at the Russian border near Kursk and highlighted the continuing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. They indicated that additional North Korean combat engineer units may be deployed back to Russia, suggesting that the partnership is set to continue even beyond the conclusion of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This indicates a strategic alignment between North Korea and Russia that could have profound implications for regional security dynamics in Northeast Asia.