Seoul: South Korean lawmakers said on Wednesday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears to be preparing his daughter Kim Ju Ae to become his successor, marking a significant development in the secretive country’s leadership plans.
According to a briefing by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, Kim’s daughter is no longer seen as simply being introduced to the public for symbolic reasons. Lawmakers said intelligence officials believe she has been internally positioned as the likely heir to leadership.
Kim Ju Ae, believed to be in her early teens, has increasingly appeared alongside her father at important state events. In recent months, she has attended military inspections, weapons displays and national ceremonies. Observers say this steady rise in visibility suggests a carefully planned effort to present her as part of the country’s future leadership.
Earlier this year, she visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang with her parents, a site that honors North Korea’s former leaders. Analysts see this appearance as symbolic, linking her image to the ruling family’s legacy.
Lawmakers also said the intelligence agency believes she may already be involved in some policy discussions. While no official title has been announced, she is reportedly being treated with a level of respect that signals high status within the leadership structure.
Attention is now focused on the upcoming congress of the Workers Party of Korea, expected later this month. The meeting is an important political event that sets national priorities. Observers are watching closely to see whether Kim Ju Ae is given a formal position or further public recognition.
North Korea has a history of dynastic leadership, with power passing within the Kim family. Some experts previously speculated that Kim’s sister Kim Yo Jong could play a leading role if needed. However, the latest assessment from Seoul suggests the focus is now clearly on the daughter.
At the same time, intelligence officials noted that Kim Jong Un continues to prioritize military development, including work on advanced submarine capabilities. This indicates that while succession planning may be underway, the country’s defense agenda remains central.
North Korea has not made any official statement about a successor. As with many developments in Pyongyang, much of the information comes from intelligence analysis and careful study of state media appearances.
For now, the growing public presence of Kim Ju Ae has strengthened expectations that she may one day lead the country, continuing the Kim family’s hold on power.