On Thursday, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) informed the National Assembly that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is taking steps to designate his daughter, Ju-ae, as his successor.
Lee Seong-gwon, a member of the People Power Party and the Intelligence Committee of the National Assembly, shared this information during a press briefing. He stated that the NIS has noted that Ju-ae, daughter of Kim, has been increasingly visible at events such as Air Force Day and visits to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. They’ve also detected instances where she’s offering input on certain policies.
Lee added that considering these developments, the NIS believes they’ve entered the phase of designating Ju-ae as the successor. They plan to closely monitor her attendance, protocol level, use of symbolic language and real names, as well as any succession indicators in party regulations during the upcoming party congress and related events.
He further explained that her presence at military-related events like Air Force Day and her visit to the Kumsusan Palace – a symbol of hereditary succession – have significantly raised her profile domestically.
Lee also mentioned that lawmakers had questions about Ju-ae’s status. He noted that the NIS previously described her as in training to be a successor, but today they notably used the phrase in the phase of being designated as a successor, indicating a shift in their assessment.
Park Seon-won, the Democratic Party’s representative, added that Kim has been gradually revealing the succession framework. He emphasized that since late last year, Ju-ae has been positioned as second in the protocol hierarchy.
Park further stated that her active involvement in addressing on-site concerns and proposing policies suggests a strengthened role. This leads us to believe she has entered the designation phase. This assessment is based on the NIS’s analysis and judgment.