North Korea’s Kim Jong Un May Be Grooming His Daughter for Leadership
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported to lawmakers on Thursday that Kim Jong Un’s young daughter could be positioned to take on a leadership role in North Korea. She is believed to be around 13 years old and goes by the name Kim Ju Ae.
During a closed meeting, NIS officials explained they are watching closely for signs of her involvement at the upcoming Workers’ Party Congress, as noted by lawmaker Lee Seong Kweun.
Previously, the NIS referred to Kim Ju Ae’s training as “successor training,” but they have now upgraded this to “successor-designate stage,” indicating a marked shift in direction.
Reports also suggest that Kim Jong Un and his wife may have an older son and a younger child, though the gender remains unknown.
North Korea continues to be a major nuclear threat in the world. A 2025 U.S. Intelligence Community report stated that Kim is committed to expanding North Korea’s nuclear arsenal and advancing missile technology. This poses risks not just to the U.S. but to their allies in the Asia-Pacific region.
The relationship between North Korea and Russia has also become more intertwined, with Russia allegedly supporting North Korea’s nuclear ambitions in return for Pyongyang’s backing in the war against Ukraine.
With leadership potential for Kim Ju Ae being discussed, the world will be watching closely how this situation develops in the coming months.
