Kim Jong Un with his daughter Kim Joo Ae. Photo: korrespondent.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service recently made a significant announcement, suggesting that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s young daughter, Kim Joo Ae, could be his successor.This was the first official acknowledgement of her potential succession role in the state, which remains one of the most closed in the world, since she made her public appearance more than a year ago, AP News reported.
Public appearances of Kim Joo Ae
Kim Joo Ae, who is reportedly around 10 years old, made her first public appearance in November 2022, when she watched a missile launch with her father. Since then, she has become a frequent companion of Kim Jong-un at important state events. State media call her Kim Jong-un’s “favourite”, publishing photos and videos that show the child’s growing political status.
At a military parade in September, the senior general leaned over the girl as she applauded, and at the New Year’s celebration, Kim Jong-un gently kissed her on the cheek. Such scenes, previously overlooked in North Korea, underscore the growing bond between father and daughter.
Intelligence agency analysis
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has announced that it views Kim Joo Ae as a likely successor to Kim Jong Un. Experts believe that, although her role in politics is currently limited, the girl’s constant presence in public may indicate that she is learning the basics of political life and forming important connections.
Although Kim Jong-un is celebrating his 40th birthday, his young age and the presence of another child mean that the issue of succession remains open. Speaking to the AP, Yoon Kun-yong, a member of the parliamentary intelligence committee, said that the NIS assessment confirms that Kim Joo-ae could be a serious candidate for the leadership role.
Public support and continuity
Analysing Kim Joo Ae’s position, experts emphasise that her active participation in public life serves not only to shape her image, but also to strengthen the support of the Kim family. Since North Korea has a Confucian hierarchy in which men traditionally occupy leadership positions, the long-term prospect for women in the country’s leadership remains uncertain.
Despite the absence of official comments on the issue of succession, experts note that Kim Joo Ae’s presence in public may indicate Kim Jong Un’s intention to prepare his daughter for a future political role.
In light of the new information, the development of the situation in North Korea leaves open the question of whether Kim Joo Ae will succeed her father. The issue of power succession in this country has always been of interest to experts, and further developments will show whether this young girl will be able to inherit the important political legacy of the Kims.
