South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) has, for the first time, officially recognized Kim Ju Ae, the young daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as her father's likely heir apparent.
This declaration comes amidst widespread speculation that Kim Jong Un is preparing his daughter to be the fourth successor in the dynasty that has ruled North Korea for over seven decades.
Kim Ju Ae Sparks North Korea Succession Speculation
People watch a television screen showing a news broadcast with an image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (L) and his daughter presumed to be named Ju Ae (R) attending a military parade held in Pyongyang to mark the 75th founding anniversary of its armed forces, at a railway station in Seoul on February 9, 2023. - North Korea's Kim Jong Un oversaw a major military parade showcasing a record number of nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missiles, state media reported on February 9, including what analysts said was possibly a new solid-fueled ICBM.
The international community has closely followed the development of Kim Ju Ae, believed to be around 10 years old, since her inaugural public appearance in November 2022 during a long-range missile test alongside her father. Her subsequent prominent role in major public events, as documented by state media, has fueled discussions regarding her political standing and potential future leadership.
Kim Jong Un's daughter has been described by state media as his "most beloved" or "respected" child, showcasing a level of prominence previously unseen in North Korea. Notable moments include a senior general kneeling and whispering to her during a military parade, her presence at a VIP observation stand, and sharing a tender moment with her father during a New Year's Eve celebration in Pyongyang.
The NIS, in its official assessment, cited a comprehensive analysis of Kim Ju Ae's public activities and the protocols extended to her by the state. While designating her as the likely successor, the NIS emphasized that all possibilities in North Korea's power succession process are still under consideration, taking into account Kim Jong Un's relative youth, lack of major health issues, and the existence of at least one other child.
Lawmaker Youn Kun-Young revealed that Cho Tae-yong, the nominee for the NIS chief position, provided this assessment. However, the NIS has a history of unreliable information about developments in North Korea, a notoriously secretive nation, and North Korean state media is yet to comment directly on the succession plan or the existence of Kim Ju Ae's siblings.
Analysts, such as Du Hyeogn Cha from Seoul's Asan Institute for Policy Studies, caution against definitively predicting Kim Ju Ae's future leadership role. While the NIS sees a high possibility, analysts point out her lack of political achievements essential for formal anointment as the country's future leader, according to Hindustan Times.
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North Korea's Potential Successor Amid Kim Jong Un Health Concerns
Cheong Seong-Chang, an analyst at the Sejong Institute, suggests that Kim Jong Un likely perceives his daughter as having the capacity to succeed him, especially given concerns about his health. He emphasizes her participation in major events as a potential learning experience in leadership and network-building from a young age.
Officials from South Korea's government, including the unification minister, Kim Yung-ho, remain cautious, asserting that it is premature to view Kim Ju Ae as the heir apparent. They contend that her repeated appearances may be aimed at shoring up public support for Kim's family rather than signaling an imminent power transfer.
North Korea, established in 1948, has witnessed successive male rule within the Kim family, with Kim Jong Un inheriting power from his father, Kim Jong Il, in 2011. Kim Jong Un's wife, Ri Sol Ju, and other family members have been kept shrouded in secrecy.
The early public introduction of Kim Ju Ae is considered by some analysts as a strategic move by Kim Jong Un to establish her profile before any potential transfer of power, overcoming gender prejudices in a deeply patriarchal North Korea. Observers note the shift in language from calling her "beloved" to "respected," signaling a potential formalization of her role in the leadership hierarchy.
Miss Kim's recent prominent appearances during significant events, such as missile launches and satellite launches, suggest an orchestrated effort to familiarize the public with her and secure her position before any succession occurs. The complexities surrounding North Korea's leadership transition continue to capture global attention, as speculation and analysis persist regarding Kim Ju Ae's future role in the country's leadership, BBC News reported.
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