North Korea's Kim Jong Un is reportedly preparing to name his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his successor, according to South Korea's spy agency. This development comes as a surprise to many, as little is known about the young woman, who made her first public appearance in 2022. The National Intelligence Service in Seoul shared this information with legislators during a closed-door briefing, and it was later confirmed by politicians Park Seon-won and Lee Seong-gwon. The agency's earlier assessment of Kim Ju Ae as the 'most likely successor' has been reinforced, with her increasing presence at significant events and potential policy influence.
The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, a revered site in North Korea, holds the final resting places of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, the country's Great Leader and Dear Leader, respectively. Kim Ju Ae's visits to this palace and her attendance at events like the Armed Forces Day ceremony suggest a growing role in the succession process. The Workers' Party congress, a key political event, is expected to unveil major policy goals, and analysts predict that if Kim Ju Ae attends or receives a title at this congress, speculation about her succession path will intensify.
Despite her young age, believed to be still in her teens, Kim Ju Ae has been photographed alongside her father at various events, including the test launch of a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile and a large-calibre multiple-rocket launch system. Her travels, such as a trip to Beijing by armoured train, have also raised eyebrows, as she mingled with Chinese and Russian leaders. The development of a large submarine capable of carrying up to 10 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, potentially powered by a nuclear reactor, is another significant aspect of Kim Jong Un's leadership, according to South Korea's spy agency.
