According to South Korean lawmakers referencing a report from the National Intelligence Service (NIS), North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is taking steps to solidify his daughter's position as a potential successor. They indicated that Kim Ju-ae has begun participating in political discussions and is exerting influence on strategic decisions within the regime. Previously described as someone merely being groomed for succession, she is now considered an 'internally designated' successor, suggesting significant progress in her ascension process.

The shift in her characterization signifies a critical development in North Korea's political landscape. Lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun noted that this change reflects a more advanced phase in Kim Ju-ae's involvement with state matters, contrasting with earlier assessments that portrayed her as still in training for potential leadership. As she increasingly appears alongside her father on state media, including visits to military projects, her public presence is reshaping perceptions of leadership continuity in one of the world's most secretive regimes.

This development carries implications for regional stability, as the prospect of Kim Ju-ae’s ascent could alter diplomatic dealings and military policies, particularly in relation to South Korea and the United States. Analysts speculate that consolidating leadership power through a younger successor might be seen as an effort by Kim Jong-un to secure his legacy and ensure loyalty within the regime, while also managing external perceptions and relations. The future of the Kim dynasty, once closely tied to its current patriarch’s rule, may depend significantly on how this generational transition plays out.