Seoul spy agency names the likely successor to Kim Jong-un, providing a glimpse into potential leadership changes in North Korea.
Bloomberg reports that South Korea’s spy agency has revealed the youthful offspring of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is currently receiving instruction on leadership in preparation to succeed him as head of their nation.
On Monday, lawmakers were informed in a confidential session by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) of Seoul that Ju-ae is under consideration as Kim family’s possible successor. The ruling dynasty has presided over the nation since its establishment during the late 1940s.
According to lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun from the ruling People Power Party, North Korea has suggested Kim Ju-ae as a possible successor for her father. Lessons are already being prepared in order to prepare her for this role. “They have been assessing public response and adjusting propaganda levels and frequency of appearances accordingly,” revealed Lee during a parliamentary session.
In November 2022, Kim Ju-ae graced the public sphere by accompanying her father in witnessing a test of an intercontinental ballistic missile known as Hwasong-17. State media referred to her as a “beloved child” and a “respected daughter.”
Since then, she has appeared numerous times with the leader of North Korea, accompanying him to missile launches and military locations, state events as well as sporting occasions.
The NIS estimates Ju-ae to be approximately 11 years old and assumes that she is the middle child of three offspring born to Kim and his spouse, Ri Sol-ju.
The report highlighted that Ju-ae had attended a military-themed state banquet last year and was then prominently positioned in a photo with high-ranking members of the armed forces.
According to Bloomberg, it was unprecedented for a child of a North Korean leader to be presented publicly at such an early age. Normally, the offspring of state leaders are not showcased until they become involved in their parent’s governmental activities.
Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea and his son Kim Jong-il are said to have appointed their adult sons in government roles to prepare them as potential successors. These appointments only elevated their status within the state apparatus.
According to the report, Kim Jong-un’s youthful age of 40 suggests that he may hold onto power for several decades.
According to the lawmakers, the health condition of the North Korean leader was being closely monitored by the NIS.
