North Korea Has a Teenager as its 'Missile General'
North Korea has a ‘missile general’ who is a teenager. It’s not just any teenager; the position of North Korea’s ‘Missile General’ is held by the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Kim Ju Ae, Kim Jong Un’s 13-year-old daughter, has been identified by South Korean intelligence as acting as a ‘general’. South Korean media, Chosun Daily, citing a high-level government source familiar with the matter, said that South Korean intelligence obtained a report that Kim Jong Un’s daughter had been appointed to the position.
Although Jang Chang-ha is officially listed as the director of missile administration, intelligence information indicates that Kim’s daughter receives briefings from generals and issues orders.
The North Korean state media first confirmed her existence in November 2022, referring to her as ‘beloved child’ when she accompanied Kim during the launch of the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile. Her name has never been officially revealed by Pyongyang.
Ju Ae is said to be Kim’s successor. The North Korean leader has repeatedly brought his daughter to important events, such as monitoring intercontinental ballistic missile launches, weapons inspections, and party congresses.
In one of the photos released by North Korean state media, Ju Ae also visited the mausoleum or Kumsusan Palace of the Sun with her parents and several North Korean officials. This visit further reinforces the speculation that she is a potential successor to the regime in the country.
Inaugurates Housing for Soldiers’ Families
North Korea has completed the construction of a new residential district in Pyongyang for the families of its soldiers who died fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. In the inauguration, Kim Jong Un brought his daughter, Kim Ju Ae.
As reported by NBC News on Wednesday (February 18, 2026), North Korean state media showed Kim Jong Un walking through the new street, called Saeppyol Street, and visiting the homes of some of the soldiers’ families with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae. Kim Jong Un promised to repay the debt to his soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.
In his speech, Kim said that the new district symbolizes ‘the spirit and sacrifice of the fallen soldiers’, adding that the homes are intended to allow grieving families to ‘be proud of their sons and husbands and live happily’.
Kim said he had pushed to complete the project ‘even one day earlier’ in the hope that it would bring ‘some comfort’ to the families of the soldiers.
Kim Ju Ae, Potential Successor
Kim Jong Un is said to have designated Kim Ju Ae as his potential successor. There have been several key moments that are believed to be signs that Ju Ae has been appointed as North Korea’s ‘heir’.
As reported by AFP, the news about Kim Jong Un’s decision to appoint Ju Ae as his successor was conveyed by a member of the South Korean parliament, Lee Seong-kweun. The information was conveyed after Lee received a briefing from the National Intelligence Service (NIS). Lee said that the NIS assessed that Ju Ae is now clearly ‘designated as the successor’.
One of the indicators of Ju Ae’s appointment is her increasing presence in official state events. According to Lee, the NIS also saw signs that Ju Ae is beginning to be involved in government policy discussions.
The Kim family has ruled North Korea for decades with a very strong ‘Paektu bloodline’ cult. In recent years, Ju Ae has been seen in public accompanying Kim Jong Un at various strategic events, including military activities and state events.
North Korean state media showed Ju Ae in January giving tribute with her father at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the resting place of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. This moment is seen as further strengthening speculation about Ju Ae’s status as a successor.
The Figure of Kim Ju Ae
Ju Ae is the daughter of Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju. North Korean state media showed Ju Ae in January giving tribute with her father at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the resting place of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.
This moment is seen as strengthening speculation about her status as a successor. The state media in North Korea, which usually does not mention her name, now often describes Kim Ju Ae as ‘beloved’, ‘respected’, or ‘great leader’.
Ju Ae’s appearance is also seen as an effort to soften her father’s image as a cruel dictator. Ju Ae once accompanied Kim Jong Un to Beijing for the largest military parade ever held in China, where she was seen getting off an armored vehicle at Beijing Railway Station.
She often appears with long hair, which is prohibited for people her age, and wears designer clothes, which are unaffordable for most people in North Korea.