Amid concerns over North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s health, Seoul’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has reported that Kim’s daughter, Kim Ju-ae, is being prepared as his potential successor. The announcement was made during a briefing to the South Korean parliament’s intelligence committee.
Committee secretary Lee Seong-kwon revealed that succession planning is underway, suggesting that Kim Ju-ae is being positioned as a likely future leader. “Conscious of the [North Korean] public’s reaction to the young Kim Ju-ae, the levels of propaganda and the frequency of exposure to the outside world are being adjusted while undisclosed activities [successor training] are being simultaneously carried out,” Lee stated.
Kim Ju-ae, estimated to be between 10 and 12 years old, made her public debut at a missile launch in November 2022. She has since frequently accompanied her father to various ceremonies and events. Initially described as Kim’s “beloved” daughter in state media, her designation was later upgraded to “respected,” a title previously reserved for her father, further fueling speculation about her future role.
Despite her increasing public presence, Kim Ju-ae reportedly has an older brother and a younger sibling who have not been seen publicly. This raises questions about the final decision on Kim Jong Un’s successor.
Kim Jong Un’s health has been a subject of concern, with reports indicating that he is extremely obese, weighing approximately 140kg (308 pounds), and has a body mass index (BMI) in the mid-40s. These factors place him in a high-risk category for heart disease. Lee mentioned that Kim has been experiencing symptoms of high blood pressure and diabetes since his early thirties, which, if not managed, could lead to severe cardiovascular issues, a condition that has affected his family in the past.
The NIS noted the use of specific terminology in North Korean state media that suggests a solidifying successor structure around Kim Ju-ae. Terms like “hyangdo,” meaning “direction,” have been employed, which are typically reserved for heirs or future leaders.
However, Lee also emphasized that the possibility of another sibling or a different change in the succession plan has not been entirely ruled out, indicating that the final decision on the successor may not yet be finalized.
This development adds another layer of intrigue to the dynamics within the secretive North Korean regime, where leadership transitions are closely watched by the international community.
