North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's teenage daughter is expected to be named his successor as part of the country's ruling dynasty, according to South Korean intelligence reports.
South Korean intelligence agencies have reported that Kim Jong-un's teenage daughter, believed to be about 13 years old and identified as Kim Ju-ae, is likely to be named as her father's successor. This prediction comes as North Korea prepares for its largest political congress, where Kim is expected to outline his main political goals for the next five years and take steps to strengthen his authoritarian rule. The congress is set to occur at the end of this month, raising anticipation about the future leadership of the country.
During a recent closed-door briefing, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) shared with South Korean lawmakers that it is closely monitoring any appearances of Kim Ju-ae alongside her father during the congress, where she may make her debut in front of thousands of delegates from the ruling Workers' Party of Korea. Kim Ju-ae has been in the public eye since her first appearance at a test of long-range missiles in November 2022, and she has since accompanied Kim Jong-un to an increasing number of public events, including military parades and weapons tests.
This potential succession is significant, as it marks the continuation of the Kim family's dynastic rule, and it could have profound implications for both North Korean domestic policy and its international relations. Observers speculate that Kim Ju-ae's elevation in visibility may be part of a broader strategy by Kim Jong-un to consolidate power and ensure the regime's stability in the face of ongoing economic challenges and international sanctions, emphasizing the critical role the next generation will play in North Korea's future governance.
