North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has selected his daughter as his heir, South Korea's spy agency told lawmakers on Thursday. Little is known about Kim Ju Ae, who has been photographed beside her father in significant appearances, including her first trip abroad to Beijing last September. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) indicated that Ju Ae's growing public presence influenced their assessment. The agency is closely monitoring her participation in the upcoming party congress, a pivotal political event.
Lawmaker Lee Seong-kwen stated that Ju Ae has transitioned from training for succession to active designation. Recent events have showcased her involvement, demonstrating she might be providing opinions on state policy. Kim Ju Ae is the only recognized child of Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, while reports suggest Kim has an older, unacknowledged son. Ju Ae was first introduced to the public by former basketball player Dennis Rodman in 2013.
She gained media attention when she appeared on state television inspecting a missile alongside her father, reinforcing her role in softening Kim's dictator image. Analysts are surprised by the choice of a daughter to inherit a leadership position in North Korea's male-dominated culture, although Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong serves as a noteworthy precedent for female influence. Questions remain about the implications of a young girl as heir, especially regarding Kim Jong Un's relatively young age and health. While hopes for reform under his leadership were not fulfilled, it is uncertain what changes Ju Ae’s eventual leadership could entail.
Lawmaker Lee Seong-kwen stated that Ju Ae has transitioned from training for succession to active designation. Recent events have showcased her involvement, demonstrating she might be providing opinions on state policy. Kim Ju Ae is the only recognized child of Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, while reports suggest Kim has an older, unacknowledged son. Ju Ae was first introduced to the public by former basketball player Dennis Rodman in 2013.
She gained media attention when she appeared on state television inspecting a missile alongside her father, reinforcing her role in softening Kim's dictator image. Analysts are surprised by the choice of a daughter to inherit a leadership position in North Korea's male-dominated culture, although Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong serves as a noteworthy precedent for female influence. Questions remain about the implications of a young girl as heir, especially regarding Kim Jong Un's relatively young age and health. While hopes for reform under his leadership were not fulfilled, it is uncertain what changes Ju Ae’s eventual leadership could entail.
