South Korea’s spy agency has reportedly said that Kim Jong Un’s teenage daughter could be considered his successor.
The assessment comes after recent images released by North Korean state media showed Kim’s daughter, believed to be around 13 years old and named Ju Ae, taking part in military-related activities. One of the most notable appearances showed her driving a tank alongside her father. Lawmakers said this display was likely meant to highlight her military capabilities and remove doubts about a female successor leading the country in the future.
Over the past few months, Ju Ae has been seen more frequently at important state and defense events. In addition to the tank images, she has also been shown firing a rifle at a shooting range and handling a handgun. Officials believe these appearances are carefully planned and designed to present her as a strong and capable future leader.
According to lawmakers, these efforts mirror how Kim Jong Un himself was introduced to the public during the early 2010s before he took power. By showing Ju Ae in similar settings, North Korea may be trying to gradually build a narrative around her leadership and prepare the public for a potential transition of power.
The intelligence agency also suggested that Ju Ae’s increasing visibility indicates she is already being treated as one of the top figures in the country’s leadership structure. Her repeated presence at high-profile events is seen as a step toward strengthening her position and normalizing the idea of her succession.
Meanwhile, some speculation had suggested that Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, might be unhappy with the attention given to Ju Ae. However, lawmakers dismissed this idea, stating that she does not hold independent authority and remains supportive within the existing power structure.
Despite these developments, some experts have urged caution. Analysts believe that while Ju Ae’s public appearances are significant, they are not yet enough to confirm that she has officially been named as Kim’s successor. They point out that, unlike her father during his early years, she has not yet appeared independently in major roles.
Overall, the situation suggests a possible shift in North Korea’s leadership planning, but a final decision on succession may still take time.
