12.02.2026 18:22
It has been reported that intelligence suggests North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is in the process of declaring his 13-year-old daughter Kim Ju-ae, who frequently comes into the spotlight due to "heir" discussions, as his "successor."
Two members of the intelligence committee of the National Assembly of South Korea shared the latest assessments of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) regarding North Korea with journalists.
KIM JONG-UN HAS IDENTIFIED HIS HEIR
According to this, signs have been detected that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's daughter, Kim Ju-ae, who has drawn attention by frequently being seen alongside her father at events, has recently expressed her views on certain state policies. As a result of the investigations, it was stated that the 13-year-old Ju-ae is now at the stage of being appointed as Kim's "heir." It was also noted that it will be closely monitored whether Ju-ae will participate in the 9th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, which is expected to be held at the end of this month and where the 5-year development plan will be determined.
DISCUSSIONS ON THE DAUGHTER OF THE NORTH KOREAN LEADER AND THE 'HEIR'
Kim Ju-ae, the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has drawn attention since her first appearance in state media in 2022 by accompanying her father at many events, including military parades and missile tests.
The NIS described Ju-ae, who is believed to have been born in 2013, as North Korea's "most likely heir" in its assessment in January 2024. Kim Jong-un's visit to the family monument of symbolic importance with his daughter on January 1 had also brought discussions about him "seeing her as his successor" back to the agenda.