North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly chosen his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his heir, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) told lawmakers.
Believed to be around 13, Ju Ae has appeared alongside her father at high-profile events, including a 2023 visit to Beijing and military celebrations, signaling her growing political role.
The NIS said her public presence and signs of input on state policies indicate she has reached the “successor designation” stage. Authorities will watch whether she attends North Korea’s party congress later this month, the country’s largest political gathering, where key policies on foreign affairs, defense, and nuclear programs are outlined.
Ju Ae, the only acknowledged child of Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol Ju, first appeared on state television in 2022 inspecting an intercontinental ballistic missile. Since then, she has frequently featured in state media, softening her father’s image and accompanying him to international events. Her prominent positioning at events, often walking beside her father, underscores her emerging authority.
The move challenges North Korea’s patriarchal norms, as an older son reportedly exists but remains unacknowledged. Analysts also question why Kim, still young and appearing healthy, is designating a 13-year-old heir now. Ju Ae’s succession could shape North Korea’s future policy and leadership direction significantly.
