North Korea: Kim Jong Un’s teenage daughter could be considered his successor, Seoul’s spy agency reportedly says | World News
The teenage daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could be considered his successor, Seoul’s spy agency has been reported as saying.
The child, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae and aged around 13, has accompanied her father to several high-profile events since late 2022.
And the pair rode in a tank together last month, sparking further speculation she is being positioned as the secretive country’s future leader.
On Monday, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) director Lee Jong-seok said in a closed-door briefing at the National Assembly the girl could be considered Mr Kim‘s successor, according to Lee Seong Kweun, one of the politicians in attendance.
NIS reportedly said its assessment was based on “credible intelligence” collected by the agency.
Asked about potential protests from Mr Kim’s sister Kim Yo Jong, who has long been viewed as North Korea‘s number two figure, the NIS director responded that she has no substantial powers, Mr Lee told a briefing.
It is the agency’s strongest assessment yet on the rising political status of the teenager who it believes could extend her family’s rule into a fourth generation.
Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong. Pic: AP
In early 2024, the NIS described the child as Mr Kim’s likely heir, and in February this year, the agency said it believed she was close to being designated as the nation’s future leader.
Some observers disagree with the assessments, arguing North Korea’s extremely male-centred society will likely not embrace a woman leader.
Kim Jong Un and Kim Ju Ae observe a missile test launch. Pic: KCNA/Reuters
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