The article discusses potential power struggles within North Korea's Kim dynasty, focusing on Kim Jong-un's choice of his 13-year-old daughter Kim Ju-ae as his successor and the threat posed by his ambitious sister Kim Yo-jong.
The succession plans of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may ignite a ruthless and potentially violent power struggle within the Kim dynasty. Recent reports from South Korean intelligence indicate that Kim has identified his 13-year-old daughter, Kim Ju-ae, as his intended successor. Ju-ae's increasing public appearances alongside her father suggest she is being groomed for a significant role in the regime's future, signaling a potential shift in dynastic leadership.
However, the article highlights that Ju-ae's path to succession may not be secure, as it faces significant challenges from her ambitious aunt, Kim Yo-jong. A prominent political and military figure within the Workers' Party of Korea, Yo-jong is seen as a powerful player in North Korean politics. A warning from a former South Korean ambassador emphasizes the perilous nature of Kim's death, which could trigger a dangerous power struggle between the young Ju-ae and her influential aunt.
The implications of this emerging family rivalry are profound for North Korea and the broader region, raising concerns among observers about potential instability. As Ju-ae becomes a more central figure in the leadership transition, the dynamics within the Kim family could affect the country's governance and its relations with the outside world, particularly in terms of military policy and international diplomacy.
