North Korea: Kim Jong Un Daughter His Likely Successor, South’s Spy Agency Says

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s young daughter, who has accompanied him to missile testing and military parades, has been named as his “most likely” successor, according to South Korea’s spy service.

The National Intelligence Service has confirmed Ju Ae as Mr Kim’s heir for the first time.

On the other hand, the NIS stated that it is still studying “all possibilities” in Pyongyang’s succession plan.

Ju Ae has maintained a strong profile since her first public appearance in late 2022.

“Based on a comprehensive analysis of public activities and the level of respect for Ju Ae since her initial public appearance, at present, she appears to be the most likely successor,” the National Intelligence Service (NIS) said.

“But we are keeping our eyes open for all possibilities because Jong Un is still young, has no major health problems, and there are many variables.”

Kim Jong Un Daughter His Likely Successor

Ju Ae, the North Korean leader’s second oldest child, is reported to be around 10 years old.

At a news conference last month, South Korea’s unification minister, Yung-ho, expressed a similar opinion on Mr Kim’s daughter.

“The continuous emphasis on Jong Un’s daughter can be seen as evidence that North Korea is hastening to showcase succession intentions amid difficult internal circumstances,” Mr. Kim added.

North Korean analysts have remarked that Miss Kim is now referred to as a “respected” daughter rather than a “beloved” one, as she was when she made her public debut in November 2022.

The word “respected” is reserved for North Korea’s most esteemed leaders. In Mr. Kim’s instance, he was only referred to as a “respected comrade” after establishing his standing as a future leader.

North Koreans are told that the Kims are descended from a holy lineage, which means that only they can govern the country. Mr Kim will want to ensure that the mantle is passed down to the fourth generation.

Kim Jong Un Daughter His Likely Successor

Miss Kim most recently joined her father in the December launch of North Korea’s Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the country’s most sophisticated long-range missile to date.

She was also by her father’s side in November when the North launched its Malligyong-1 spy satellite into orbit after two failed attempts. Pyongyang claimed Malligyong-1 would provide Mr Kim with a view of the White House.

Analysts believe that introducing Ju Ae to the public early could be Jong Un’s way of ensuring that his daughter establishes herself before taking power.

It might also be a means for Jong Un to overcome stereotypes in North Korea, which has never had a female leader.

Ju Ae’s presence was initially suggested in 2013 following a controversial trip to North Korea by retired American basketball player Dennis Rodman.

Kim Jong Un Daughter His Likely Successor

Mr Rodman stated that he spent time with Mr Kim’s family sitting by the sea and “holding their baby.”

The North Korean leader is incredibly private about his family; even his wife, Ri Sol Ju, is kept hidden until after the couple marries.

Ju Ae is the daughter of Jong Un, the current leader of North Korea. She is the youngest child of Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju. Her birth was announced in 2017, and her existence was confirmed by South Korean intelligence officials.

Ju Ae is considered a potential successor to her father’s leadership position in the future. Her upbringing and early years are largely kept out of the public eye, in line with the secretive nature of the North Korean regime.

SOURCE – (BBC)