South Korea’s intelligence agency asserted on Thursday that the young daughter of North Korea’s Kim Jong Un is emerging as the probable successor to her father, marking the agency’s inaugural evaluation of the girl introduced to the global stage just over a year ago.
Since her initial public appearance in November 2022, where she observed a long-range missile test launch alongside her father, the approximately 10-year-old named Ju Ae has been at the forefront of intense speculation. The state media consistently portrays her as her father’s most beloved or respected child, emphasising her increasing political influence through extensive footage and photos capturing significant public events.
Her prominence was notably witnessed during a military parade in September, when a senior general kneeled and whispered to her as she applauded from a VIP observation stand. Additionally, she stood beside her father during a visit to the Air Force headquarters in November, both adorned in sunglasses and long leather jackets. At a New Year’s Eve celebration in a crowded Pyongyang stadium, Kim Jong Un kissed her on the cheek, which she reciprocated.
These scenes are unprecedented in North Korea, where Kim traditionally commands a strong and loyal following.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) announced on Thursday that, based on a comprehensive analysis of her public activities and state protocols, Kim Ju Ae is highly likely to succeed her father. Despite this assessment, the NIS maintains consideration of all possibilities due to Kim’s youth, absence of major health issues, and at least one other child. Kim turns 40 on Monday.
This statement aligns with the remarks of lawmaker Youn Kun-Young, citing NIS chief nominee Cho Tae-yong, who made a similar assessment in written responses during his parliamentary hearing.
Acknowledging the NIS’s occasionally unreliable track record in confirming North Korean developments, analysts caution against definitive predictions regarding Kim Ju Ae’s ascension. While the NIS sees a high possibility, experts argue that she lacks the necessary political achievements for formal anointment as the country’s future leader.
Cheong Seong-Chang from the Sejong Institute in South Korea suggests that Kim Jong Un believes in his daughter’s capacity and resolve to succeed him, given his health concerns. By participating in major events, she is, at a tender age, learning the nuances of kingship and building a network, according to Cheong.
Despite initial scepticism from South Korean officials about Kim Ju Ae being her father’s heir, her repeated appearances are viewed as efforts to consolidate public support for Kim’s ruling family and his succession plan. North Korea’s historical patriarchal power structure, influenced by Confucianism, adds complexity to interpreting her role in the context of a potential power transition.
Since its establishment in 1948, North Korea has been led exclusively by male members of the Kim family, with Kim Jong Un inheriting power in 2011. The disclosure of Kim Ju Ae’s identity in 2023, along with details about her siblings, defied the historical pattern of secrecy surrounding North Korea’s leadership until adulthood.