In a significant development regarding North Korea's leadership succession, Kim Jong-un has reportedly chosen his 13-year-old daughter, Kim Ju-ae, as his heir. This information was disclosed by South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS), which noted that Ju-ae's increasing visibility at official events influenced their assessment. Public appearances are essential in North Korea's tightly controlled political environment, and Ju-ae's role is seen as a preparation for potential leadership responsibilities.

Kim Ju-ae is the only known daughter of Kim Jong-un and his wife, Ri Sol-ju. While there are speculations about an older son, the NIS has yet to confirm any details regarding him publicly. The rise in Kim Ju-ae's prominence marks a strategic choice for Kim Jong-un, as he appears to be grooming her for future leadership in a regime where dynastic succession plays a critical role. The emergence of Ju-ae is marked by her public debut on state television in 2022, where she was seen holding hands with her father during an inspection tour.

The disclosure of Kim Ju-ae's existence was notably highlighted by American basketball player Dennis Rodman, who mentioned in a 2013 interview that he had held her as a baby during his visits to North Korea. This unusual connection underscores the global intrigue surrounding the Kim family's dynamics and the unfolding political narrative in North Korea. As geopolitical tensions remain high, the selection of a young heir could have significant implications for the direction of North Korean policy under future governance.