North Korea setting stage for Kim Jong-un’s daughter to succeed him, says Seoul’s spy agency
South Korea's National Intelligence Service indicates that Kim Jong-un's daughter, Kim Ju-ae, is being prepared to become his successor.
The South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported to lawmakers that Kim Ju-ae, the daughter of North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un, is on track to be recognized as his successor. During a recent briefing, representatives from the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee, including members from both the ruling and opposition parties, shared the intelligence gathered by the NIS, highlighting Kim Ju-ae's growing presence in public and military events as significant indicators of her imminent designation as the heir.
Among the observations made by the NIS, Kim Ju-ae's participation in key military functions, such as the Air Force's anniversary ceremony and her visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, were noteworthy. These activities signify her increasingly visible role in North Korean leadership, suggesting the regime is preparing for a transition of power that might focus on dynastic succession linking the Kim lineage. This proactive approach contrasts the past uncertainties regarding leadership succession in North Korea, which have often led to instability during transitions.
Furthermore, the NIS added a concerning piece of information regarding domestic issues, linking recent violent incidents, such as the stabbing of President Lee Jae Myung, to influences from extremist media figures. This implies a rising radicalization environment within South Korean politics that could have significant ramifications for the public's perception of security and political dynamics in the region, particularly as North Korea's internal strategies continue to evolve under Kim Jong-un's regime.