South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has informed lawmakers that Kim Ju Ae, the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has moved beyond the stage of being “trained” and is now officially being designated as his successor. The assessment, shared on Thursday, highlights a significant shift in Pyongyang’s long-term leadership planning.
From “Training” to “Designation”
While the NIS previously described the approximately 13-year-old Ju Ae as a potential candidate under mentorship, the agency now believes she has entered the “successor designation” stage. This conclusion is based on a “range of circumstances,” most notably her increasingly prominent role in official state functions and international diplomacy.
“As Kim Ju Ae has shown her presence at various events… and signs have been detected of her voicing her opinion on certain state policies, the NIS believes she has now entered the stage of being designated as successor,” lawmaker Lee Seong-kwen told reporters.
High-Profile Appearances and Diplomacy
In recent months, Ju Ae’s public visibility has escalated, signaling her status within the regime’s inner circle:
- First International Trip: In September, she accompanied her father on an official visit to Beijing, marking her first known trip abroad.
- Military and State Events: She has been a fixture at high-profile events, including the founding anniversary of the Korean People’s Army and visits to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun.
- Political Influence: Intelligence suggests she has begun to voice opinions on specific state policies, a level of involvement previously reserved for senior party officials.
The Upcoming Party Congress
The NIS is closely monitoring the North’s upcoming Party Congress, scheduled for later this month. This event, held once every five years, is the nation’s largest political gathering and is used to outline foreign policy, nuclear ambitions, and war planning. Ju Ae’s attendance—and the nature of her participation—at the Congress is expected to provide further clarity on her rank and future responsibilities.
The Question of the “Hidden” Son
Despite Ju Ae being the only child publicly acknowledged and featured in state media, the NIS maintains that Kim Jong Un likely has an older son with his wife, Ri Sol Ju. However, this son has never been shown or officially mentioned, leading analysts to believe that Ju Ae has been specifically selected to carry the “Paektu bloodline” forward as the next leader.
Strategic Implications
The designation of a young female heir represents a historical departure for the North Korean regime, which has traditionally been characterized by patriarchal leadership. However, the consistent framing of Ju Ae alongside military assets and diplomatic missions suggests the regime is prioritizing continuity in its nuclear and defense posture.
Source: National Intelligence Service (NIS)
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