Kim Jong Un's Daughter Being Groomed as North Korea's Next Leader: How Does Her Influence Compare to Her Aunt, Kim Yo Jong?

North Korea is likely to face fresh tensions from within its own ruling family. South Korea’s intelligence agency has indicated that Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, believed to be around 13-14 years old, is increasingly close to being designated as the next leader. Should this materialise, the move could potentially spark a rivalry with her highly influential aunt, Kim Yo Jong, over future control of the regime.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) briefed parliamentarians last week that Kim Ju Ae is edging closer to being officially named as heir to power. The timing is considered crucial, as North Korea prepares to hold its largest political conference later this month. During the proceedings, Kim Jong Un is expected to set various major targets whilst reinforcing his grip on power.

In a closed-door briefing, NIS officials said they are monitoring whether Kim Ju Ae will appear alongside her father before thousands of delegates at the forthcoming Workers’ Party Congress.

Kim Ju Ae first appeared in public during a long-range missile test in November 2022. Since then, she has been seen accompanying her father at various events, ranging from weapons tests and military parades to factory visits.

She even travelled to Beijing last September to attend meetings with Chinese leaders on the sidelines of Second World War commemorations. There are even indications that the young daughter, currently aged between 13 and 14, has begun offering her views on policy matters.

Previously, officials in Seoul had cast doubt on the possibility of a girl being chosen to lead North Korea, given the country’s conservative, male-dominated leadership system. However, Kim Ju Ae’s increasingly frequent public appearances have shifted that assessment. In earlier analysis, the NIS suggested that Kim Ju Ae’s presence during the visit to China was likely part of efforts to build her image as a successor.

An Aunt Who Could Pose a Challenge

Yet behind Kim Jong Un’s efforts to prepare his child as heir to the leadership throne, the greatest challenge may come from Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s younger sister. At 38 years of age, she is frequently described as the second most powerful figure in North Korea, wielding strong political and military support.