Kim Jong Un’s daughter his ‘likely’ successor: S. Korean intelligence
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's young daughter, will be his "most likely" successor, National Intelligence Service, South Korea's spy agency has said. It is the first time the spy agency has acknowledged Kim Ju Ae as Kim's heir.
"Based on a comprehensive analysis of public activities and the level of respect for Kim Ju Ae since her initial public appearance, at present, she appears to be the most likely successor," said the NIS. "But we are keeping our eyes open for all possibilities because Kim Jong Un is still young, has no major health problems, and there are many variables."
Miss Kim, who has accompanied her father to missile tests and military parades, has kept a high profile since first appearing in public in late 2022. She is thought to be the North Korean leader's second oldest child and is believed to be about 10 years of age.
South Korea's unification minister, Kim Yung-ho, gave a similar assessment on Miss Kim at a press conference last month.
"The continuous emphasis on Kim Jong Un's daughter can be seen as evidence that North Korea is hastening to showcase succession intentions amid difficult internal circumstances," he said.
North Korea observers have noted how Miss Kim is now being referred to as a "respected" daughter, rather than a "beloved" one, as she was first introduced during her public debut in November 2022, reports the BBC.
The adjective "respected" is reserved for North Korea's most revered. According to the North Korean belief, the Kims hail from a sacred bloodline, which means only they can lead the country.
Kim Ju Ae recently accompanied her father to the launch of North Korea's Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) last month. Miss Kim was also present when the North Launched its Malligyong-1 spy satellite into orbit last November, after two failed attempts.
The first time Kim Ju Ae's existence was ever mentioned was in 2013 after retired American basketball star Dennis Rodman made a controversial trip to North Korea.
Rodman said he had spent time with Kim Jong Un's family, relaxing by the sea and had "held their baby".
The North Korean leader is extremely secretive about his family. Even his wife Ri Sol Ju was kept a secret until sometime after the pair married.
