New Delhi: South Korea’s National Intelligence Service has assessed that the teenage daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has entered what it described as a “successor-designate stage,” signalling the possible continuation of the Kim family’s rule into a fourth generation. The assessment was shared with lawmakers during a closed-door parliamentary briefing on Thursday.
Shift in succession tone
According to lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun, the intelligence agency’s language marked a notable shift from its earlier position. “In the past, (NIS) described Kim Ju Ae as being in the midst of ‘successor training.’ What was notable today is that they used the term ‘successor-designate stage,’ a shift that’s quite significant,” Lee said, as quoted by news agency AP.
The development comes ahead of a major congress of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea later this month, where Kim Jong Un is expected to outline policy priorities for the next five years and reinforce his political authority.
Growing public profile
The girl, widely believed to be named Kim Ju Ae and thought to be around 13 years old, first appeared publicly in November 2022 during a long-range missile test. Since then, she has accompanied her father to military launches, parades, factory visits and even a summit in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping last September.
Her appearance in January at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where the embalmed bodies of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il lie, further intensified speculation. According to AFP, North Korean state media have referred to her as the “beloved child” and a “great person of guidance,” titles typically associated with top leaders or their heirs.
Lawmakers were informed that her participation in key military events and indications that Kim Jong Un has sought her input on certain matters contributed to the revised assessment.
Congress may offer further signals
Analysts believe the upcoming party congress could provide additional clues about her status. Some have suggested she might be appointed to a senior party role, though age requirements may pose a formal barrier.
Koh Yu-hwan, former president of South Korea’s Institute of National Unification, said symbolic messaging could confirm her position. “If you see comments like that, it would be reasonable to think that Ju Ae has been cemented” as heir, he said.
North Korea has been ruled by male members of the Kim family since 1948. If confirmed, her designation would mark a historic shift in the country’s dynastic leadership structure.