North Korea is likely to face fresh tensions from within its own\nruling family. South Korea\u2019s intelligence agency has indicated that Kim\nJong Un\u2019s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, believed to be around 13-14 years old, is\nincreasingly close to being designated as the next leader. Should this\nmaterialise, the move could potentially spark a rivalry with her highly\ninfluential aunt, Kim Yo Jong, over future control of the regime.<\/p>\n
South Korea\u2019s National Intelligence Service (NIS) briefed\nparliamentarians last week that Kim Ju Ae is edging closer to being\nofficially named as heir to power. The timing is considered crucial, as\nNorth Korea prepares to hold its largest political conference later this\nmonth. During the proceedings, Kim Jong Un is expected to set various\nmajor targets whilst reinforcing his grip on power.<\/p>\n
In a closed-door briefing, NIS officials said they are monitoring\nwhether Kim Ju Ae will appear alongside her father before thousands of\ndelegates at the forthcoming Workers\u2019 Party Congress.<\/p>\n
Kim Ju Ae first appeared in public during a long-range missile test\nin November 2022. Since then, she has been seen accompanying her father\nat various events, ranging from weapons tests and military parades to\nfactory visits.<\/p>\n
She even travelled to Beijing last September to attend meetings with\nChinese leaders on the sidelines of Second World War commemorations.\nThere are even indications that the young daughter, currently aged\nbetween 13 and 14, has begun offering her views on policy matters.<\/p>\n
Previously, officials in Seoul had cast doubt on the possibility of a\ngirl being chosen to lead North Korea, given the country\u2019s conservative,\nmale-dominated leadership system. However, Kim Ju Ae\u2019s increasingly\nfrequent public appearances have shifted that assessment. In earlier\nanalysis, the NIS suggested that Kim Ju Ae\u2019s presence during the visit\nto China was likely part of efforts to build her image as a\nsuccessor.<\/p>\n
An Aunt Who Could Pose a Challenge<\/strong><\/p>\n Yet behind Kim Jong Un\u2019s efforts to prepare his child as heir to the\nleadership throne, the greatest challenge may come from Kim Yo Jong, Kim\nJong Un\u2019s younger sister. At 38 years of age, she is frequently\ndescribed as the second most powerful figure in North Korea, wielding\nstrong political and military support.<\/p>",
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