The South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) has declared that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has selected his daughter Kim Ju-ae as his successor. This announcement reveals significant insights into the North Korean leadership dynamics, as Kim Ju-ae is relatively unknown outside the country, with estimates suggesting she is around 13 years old. The NIS based their assessment on various factors, particularly Kim Ju-ae's increasing public presence at official events, indicating a move towards her potential leadership role in the future.

In addition to this announcement, the NIS will closely monitor Kim Ju-ae's participation in the upcoming North Korean party congress, which is the country's largest political event held every five years. This meeting will serve as a crucial platform where Kim Ju-ae's role and the extent to which she may be recognized as her father's successor could be further clarified. The situation introduces an element of intrigue regarding North Korea’s future leadership and potential shifts in power dynamics within the country.

Furthermore, South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kwen noted that Kim Ju-ae has previously been 'trained' for leadership, suggesting that her ascendance had been anticipated. While she is currently the only confirmed child of Kim Jong-un and his wife Ri Sol-ju, there are indications that the leader may have an older son, who has never been publicly acknowledged. This adds another layer of complexity to the future of North Korean leadership and exposes potential divides or tensions in the ruling family.