According to South Korean intelligence, Kim Jong-un has appointed his teenage daughter, Kim Ju-ae, as his successor, reflecting her growing role within the North Korean regime. This assertion comes from South Korean legislators after a briefing from the National Intelligence Service (NIS), suggesting that Ju-ae, who is around 13 years old, is beginning to participate in political discussions and is tacitly being recognized as the second-in-command in the North Korean hierarchy.

The NIS previously referred to Kim Ju-ae as a potential successor in training, but recent observations imply that she is now considered a serious contender for leadership. The legislators noted that Ju-ae's appearances at public functions have increased and that she has started to contribute ideas, indicating a strategic move by Kim Jong-un to groom her for future leadership. This shift might indicate a move toward dynastic continuity in North Korea, emphasizing the regime's reliance on family lineage.

The implications of this development might be significant for the stability of North Korea and its international relations. If Ju-ae takes on a more substantive leadership role, it could change the dynamics within the North Korean regime and affect its approach toward foreign policy and regional conflicts. Analysts will closely monitor her actions and the regime's propaganda surrounding her as they gauge the potential changes in leadership style and policy direction under a future Kim Ju-ae regime.