North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Positions Daughter as Possible Successor, South Korea Says

TheAfriPosthome 1 day ago

1 8 2 minutes read

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Positions Daughter as Possible Successor, South Korea Says

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears to be consolidating his daughter’s position as a potential successor, according to a briefing delivered by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) to lawmakers in Seoul.

South Korean legislators revealed that intelligence assessments suggest Kim’s daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae, may have moved from being “in study” as a successor to what was described as an “internally appointed successor” stage.

The development, if confirmed, would mark a significant step toward establishing a fourth generation of hereditary leadership in North Korea.

Intelligence Briefing Signals Shift

Lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun told reporters after a closed-door intelligence session that the language used by the NIS had evolved.

“In the past, the NIS described Kim Ju Ae as being ‘in study as successor,’ but today the expression used was that she was ‘in the stage of being internally appointed successor,’” Lee said.

Another lawmaker, Park Sun-won, indicated that the intelligence agency believes Kim Ju Ae is increasingly being treated as a de facto second-highest authority during public events.

Observers will closely monitor whether she attends the upcoming inauguration meeting of the ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party, scheduled for late February. Analysts suggest her appearance, particularly if accompanied by an official title, could formally signal succession plans.

Growing Public Visibility

Kim Ju Ae, believed to be in her early teens, has frequently appeared in North Korean state media over the past year. She has accompanied her father during high-profile inspections of weapons projects and military facilities.

Political analysts note that such appearances are rare and highly symbolic within North Korea’s tightly controlled political culture. Public exposure at strategic events is often used to signal hierarchy and continuity.

According to the NIS briefing, her presence at these engagements suggests she may already be contributing to policy discussions.

Workers’ Party Congress in Focus

North Korea recently announced that the Workers’ Party will convene the inauguration meeting of its ninth Congress later this month.

The congress is expected to outline key policy directions on:

Economic development
Defence modernization
External relations

If Kim Ju Ae assumes a formal or symbolic role at the event, it could reinforce speculation that succession planning is underway.

North Korea’s leadership has historically relied on carefully managed transitions within the ruling Kim family, preserving a dynastic system that has governed the country since 1948.

Military Developments Raise Regional Attention

The intelligence briefing also addressed North Korea’s ongoing military projects.

Lawmakers cited analysis suggesting Kim Jong Un is directing the development of a large submarine, reportedly with a displacement of approximately 8,700 tons and the potential capacity to carry up to 10 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).

There are indications the vessel could be designed for nuclear propulsion, though South Korean intelligence noted it remains unclear whether the submarine would be fully operational or nuclear-powered as speculated.

The project aligns with North Korea’s broader efforts to expand its strategic deterrence capabilities amid continued tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

A Rare Female Successor?

If Kim Ju Ae is formally positioned as successor, it would represent a historic development in North Korea’s leadership structure.

While North Korea remains one of the world’s most closed political systems, intelligence assessments suggest internal preparations may already be underway for long-term continuity.

However, analysts caution that succession signals in Pyongyang are often gradual and symbolic, making definitive conclusions difficult.

As the Workers’ Party Congress approaches, global observers will watch closely for further signs of how North Korea’s leadership transition may unfold.

Thanks for reading. TheAfriPost will follow the progress and give you updates.