South Korea's National Intelligence Service assesses that Kim Ju-ae, daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, is in the process of being positioned as the next successor. Even if she does have an older brother, he is unlikely to become the next leader. The intelligence service is also monitoring information about another younger sibling whose gender is still unknown.
South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) revealed today (10 Sep) that it currently assesses Kim Ju-ae, daughter of North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong-un, is in the process of "being positioned as the successor," and that it is investigating information about another younger sibling whose gender remains unknown.
Regarding rumors that Kim Ju-ae may have an older brother, the NIS said it is still verifying whether such a brother actually exists. However, even if he does, the intelligence agency assesses he is unlikely to be in a position to become the successor, without disclosing details or evidence supporting this assessment.
Previously, the NIS had suggested the possibility that Kim Jong-un might have an eldest son older than Kim Ju-ae, but later revised its assessment to an ongoing investigation into whether this son actually exists.
In July 2024, the NIS assessed Kim Ju-ae as a highly likely successor but did not rule out the possibility that another child might take over leadership in the future.
The latest assessment is clearer. In February, the NIS reported to South Korea's parliamentary intelligence committee that Kim Ju-ae had begun expressing opinions on certain policy issues, reflecting her entry into the process of being positioned as successor. On 1 September, the NIS still assessed that she was in this stage de facto.
The intelligence agency also views Kim Ju-ae's increased public appearances recently as an effort to build public recognition of her as a future leader of North Korea.
An official from South Korea's Ministry of Unification said there is currently no information to confirm these reports, but discussions with relevant agencies will continue.
These developments align with Kim Ju-ae's continued presence at key North Korean government events. On 7 September, she attended the commissioning ceremony of the new “Kang Gon” destroyer alongside Kim Jong-un and her mother, Ri Sol-ju.
At that event, Kim Ju-ae wore a white two-piece outfit with white high heels, standing out from other family members. She was also accorded high-level ceremonial honors, including saluting the military flag and posing for photos with the ship's crew.
Earlier, Ri Il-gyu, a former North Korean ambassador to Cuba who defected to South Korea in 2023, said he initially did not view Kim Ju-ae as a potential successor. But when the reference to her changed from "beloved daughter" to "respected daughter," and image-building similar to leader glorification began, he saw signs of preparation for succession.
The latest NIS assessment thus reflects a growing emphasis on Kim Ju-ae as the likely successor in North Korea's leadership transition, although information about other members of Kim Jong-un's family remains unconfirmed.