Analysts have recently suggested that North Korea is implementing a strategy to normalize the concept of a fourth-generation hereditary succession, both domestically and internationally.
At a joint forum hosted by the Institute for Unification Studies at Ewha Womans University and the Korean Sharing Movement, Park Young-ja, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, cited Kim Jong Un’s (Kim) self-assessment from last year. Kim claimed that the issues of inheriting revolutionary traditions and nurturing the next generation of revolutionaries have been successfully resolved in the country.
Park interpreted this statement as confirmation that the fourth hereditary succession, a fundamental aspect of the leadership system, has been established alongside the reinforcement of Kim’s sole leadership. She suggested that this move aims to preemptively quash any domestic or international discussions about potential collective leadership systems, similar to those considered during the final years of Kim Jong Il’s rule.
Park further explained that even if Ju Ae, who is believed to be receiving succession training by accompanying Kim to major events, is not necessarily the designated heir, this strategy is designed to make the fourth hereditary succession seem inevitable both internally and externally.
Park added that this succession issue would likely extend to the North Korean public, with a legitimization strategy aimed at making them accept the notion that Kim’s children will naturally become the next supreme leaders.
Park also shared insights from a North Korean defector who escaped in 2024, revealing that high-ranking military officers currently refer to Ju Ae as the respected daughter and the shining star general. Educational materials reportedly portray her as a computer prodigy who has contributed to nuclear development and is destined to lead future society.
Cha Du-hyun, deputy director of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, noted that while personality cults and dictatorial leadership were once obstacles in relations with China and Russia, these elements are now being accepted more readily. He suggested that North Korea likely hopes to normalize hereditary succession based on bloodlines within its sphere of influence.
In a separate analysis, Kim Mi-yeon, a senior researcher at the KDB Future Strategy Research Institute, pointed out that North Korea’s tourist zones have become a testing ground for internationalization this year. She predicted that North Korea would seek to diversify its tourism offerings, with the Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone as a flagship destination.
Researcher Kim observed ongoing efforts to improve overall conditions, including streamlining online reservation and payment systems, and enhancing transportation and facility infrastructure, based on brief tourism activities conducted in 2025. She projected that North Korea would attempt to transition from short-term visits to long-term leisure tourism, utilizing hotel facilities capable of accommodating around 20,000 guests.
Furthermore, Researcher Kim anticipated an active pursuit of healthcare modernization. She referenced Kim’s previous criticism of health ministry officials’ incompetence and suggested that a new group or organization focused on promoting modernization might be introduced at the upcoming 9th Party Congress.
