South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) disclosed credible intelligence indicating that North Korea is hastening to promote Kim Ju-ae, daughter of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, as the future successor, following her appearances in military activities including driving a main battle tank.
South Korea's National Intelligence Service reported to the parliamentary intelligence committee that North Korea is accelerating efforts to legitimize Kim Ju-ae, Kim Jong-un's daughter, as the fourth-generation successor in the Kim family lineage.
The NIS analyzed that the North Korean government media's recent release of images showing Kim Ju-ae driving a new model main battle tank alongside her father last month was intended to demonstrate her military capabilities and reduce doubts about having a female leader in a country ruled by men for over eight decades.
This image follows the precedent set by Kim Jong-un himself, who appeared driving a tank in government media before succeeding his father Kim Jong-il to power.
Beyond succession matters, the NIS also reported on tests of a new missile engine using carbon fiber materials, believed to aim at reducing missile weight and supporting multiple warhead deployment.
Amid the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict, North Korea has not sent weapons or supplies to support Iran, nor has it issued condolences on the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei or congratulations to the new leader.
South Korea's intelligence assesses that North Korea may be holding a reserved stance, awaiting a diplomatic opportunity, amid assumptions that U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in May.
Additionally, the NIS predicts that the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict may begin to de-escalate by late April, depending on potential U.S. strikes expected within the next 3-4 days, following Trump's recent threat to destroy key power plants and bridges in Iran if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened for normal navigation.
. SourceYonhap