Reports indicate that Kim Jong-un's 13-year-old daughter, Kim Ju-ae, has been appointed as the head of North Korea's missile program, potentially positioning her as his successor.
According to intelligence reports, Kim Ju-ae has taken on the role of "Director General of North Korea's Missile Program." In this capacity, she reportedly participated in this month's congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, an important political event for the regime. This marks a significant moment as it suggests a notable increase in her public profile and involvement in state affairs at a very young age.
Notably, Kim Ju-ae has been seen accompanying her father, Kim Jong-un, at various public events, including military exercises and missile tests. Sources from South Korean intelligence suggest that her increasing visibility and responsibilities may be part of a broader strategy to groom her as a likely successor to Kim Jong-un. Such indications of her influence in state affairs, at just 13 years old, underscore the unique family dynamics of the North Korean leadership.
The North Korean regime is notoriously secretive, particularly regarding the family of Kim Jong-un. While it is known that he has two other sons, including Kim Ju-ae's older brother, Kim Chan-jo, born in 2010, details about their roles or public personas remain largely undisclosed. This recent development could signal a substantial shift in leadership preparation within North Korea, reflecting both the centralization of power and the ongoing emphasis on dynastic succession in the country’s political landscape.
