North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is increasingly positioning his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his likely successor after she accompanied him on a recent state visit to China, according to South Korean lawmakers briefed by the country’s intelligence agency.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) told lawmakers on Thursday that Kim Ju Ae’s growing visibility highlights her rising status within the regime. Her presence during the high-profile trip, the agency noted, underlines her importance not just domestically but also in diplomatic affairs.
Lawmakers said the NIS now regards Kim Ju Ae as the most probable heir to Kim Jong Un, a significant shift in the country’s leadership outlook.
Why the China Visit Matters
Kim Ju Ae’s role on the trip went beyond symbolism. By placing her at his side during a key foreign visit, Kim Jong Un delivered a clear signal to both North Koreans and the international community about her future role in the country’s leadership.
