Kim Jong Un Chooses Teen Daughter as Heir, Says Seoul
– North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has identified his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his heir, according to South Korea’s spy agency.
– Kim Ju Ae, who is believed to be 13 years old, has recently made appearances alongside her father at high-profile events, including a trip to Beijing in September, her first known venture abroad.
Kim Ju Ae’s Rising Prominence
– The National Intelligence Service (NIS) noted that Ju Ae’s increased visibility at official events has led to this assessment.
– The NIS plans to monitor whether she will attend the North’s upcoming party congress later this month, a significant political event held every five years where Pyongyang will outline its foreign policy, war strategies, and nuclear ambitions for the next five years.
– Lawmaker Lee Seong-kwen stated that Ju Ae, who the NIS has previously described as being trained for succession, has entered the successor designation stage.
– As Kim Ju Ae has displayed her presence at various events, such as the founding anniversary of the Korean People’s Army and a visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, along with indications of her sharing opinions on state policies, the NIS believes she is now designated as the successor, Lee said.
– Kim Ju Ae is the only known child of Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju. While the NIS suggests Kim Jong Un has an older son, this child has never been publicly acknowledged.
Kim Ju Ae: A Glimpse into Her Future Role
– News of Ju Ae emerged in 2013 when American basketball player Dennis Rodman disclosed to The Guardian that he had held baby Ju Ae during a visit to North Korea.
– She made her state television debut in 2022, seen inspecting an intercontinental ballistic missile while holding her father’s hand.
– Ju Ae’s appearances on state media have changed the perception of her father, softening the image of a dictator.
– Notably, she was present with him at China’s largest military parade and was depicted stepping off his armored train at Beijing Railway Station.
– Often seen wearing her hair long and in designer clothes—luxuries unattainable for most North Koreans—she has become a symbol of privilege.
The Implications of Her Succession
– Another lawmaker, Park Sun-won, indicated that Ju Ae’s role in public events suggests she is assuming responsibilities and is treated akin to a second-in-command.
– The Kim dynasty has historically passed power through three generations, and it is widely believed that Kim Jong Un aims to hand over the reins to Ju Ae.
– In recent engagements, footage has shown her standing taller than her father and walking alongside him, rather than trailing behind.
– In a nation where the layout of state media images carries significant symbolism, it is uncommon for any individual other than Kim Jong Un to be given equal prominence in official portraits.
Questions Surrounding a Female Heir
– While South Korean intelligence now regards Ju Ae as the designated heir, several questions remain.
– It is perplexing why a daughter would be chosen over an older son in North Korea’s traditionally patriarchal society. Many analysts have previously deemed a female leadership unlikely due to entrenched gender roles.
– Yet, Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s sister, has set a precedent for female authority, holding a senior role in the Workers’ Party of Korea and exerting influence over her brother.
– It is also curious why Kim Jong Un, who is still relatively young and healthy, is appointing a 13-year-old as successor at this juncture.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for North Korea?
– The impact of Ju Ae’s potential succession on North Korea remains uncertain. Many had hoped that Kim Jong Un, a Western-educated leader, would liberalize the nation upon taking charge. However, those expectations have largely been unmet.
– Should Kim Ju Ae take on her role fully, she will possess the unique opportunity to shape the future of North Korea in her own image, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s political history.
The daughter who could rule North Korea, Kim Ju Ae, embodies both the promise and uncertainty of the regime’s future.