On Monday, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) assessed that Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Ju-ae, could be viewed as a potential successor. They noted that Ju-ae has been appearing primarily in defense-related contexts recently, analyzing this as a strategic move to mitigate doubts about a female successor and accelerate the construction of a succession narrative.
Following a meeting of the National Assembly’s Intelligence Committee, the committee’s co-chairs, Park Sun-won from the Democratic Party and Lee Seong-kwon from the People Power Party, briefed reporters on the intelligence agency’s reports concerning North Korean activities.
Park emphasized that Ju-ae’s first public display of shooting skills, reminiscent of Kim during his time as heir apparent, appears designed to underscore her military prowess.
Lee pointed out that this assessment is based on credible intelligence rather than mere circumstantial evidence, marking a significant shift from previous reports on Ju-ae’s status.
Park also reported that Kim Yo-jong, Kim’s sister, has been reinstated to the party’s Political Bureau and promoted to head of the party’s general affairs department. He predicted that Kim Yo-jong would continue to serve as Kim’s close confidante, overseeing directive implementation and acting as an external spokesperson.
Lee relayed that the NIS Director stated this personnel change confirms Kim Yo-jong’s lack of substantial power.
The intelligence agency further analyzed that North Korea is working to diminish the legacy of its predecessors while elevating Kim’s status, and showing signs of moving towards normalizing its state system.
Park explained that during the Supreme People’s Assembly, Kim emphasized that the greatness of Kim is the primary national strength, focusing on promoting his leadership. He added that during the chairman’s reappointment process, they renamed the Mansudae Assembly Hall to Pyongyang Assembly Hall, and attempts were observed to downplay the influence of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong Il, highlighting efforts to maximize Kim’s status.
He noted that at the Supreme People’s Assembly, Kim was referred to as the head of state for the first time. The term socialism was removed from the socialist constitution, and the Ministry of State Security was restructured into the NIS, indicating moves towards normalizing the state system.
Park pointed out that regarding U.S. policy, North Korea is emphasizing a binary choice between peace and confrontation while conditionally proposing normalization of relations, shifting the responsibility for dialogue decisions onto the U.S. He analyzed that they are carefully managing their messaging, including refraining from direct criticism of former President Donald Trump.
Lee dismissed rumors about Kim’s health, stating that what appears on his chest is not a medical patch but part of an undergarment, and said it is inappropriate to directly link this to health concerns.
Regarding military developments, he mentioned that at the end of March, North Korea conducted engine tests to improve the performance of solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). He added that the use of carbon fiber for body lightweighting suggests the possibility of multiple warhead deployment, which the intelligence agency is continuously tracking with precision.
He noted that North Korea’s economy is also facing significant difficulties due to the Middle Eastern conflict, and said they are attempting to secure additional fuel or oil from Russia.
Externally, he reported that North Korea is working to mitigate external economic shocks through strategic communication and economic cooperation with China while prioritizing stability in relations with Russia and continuously seeking military cooperation from Russia.
Park added that North Korea has completed about 97% of the construction of a memorial for Russian troops deployed in Korea, and they expect to unveil it around April 27, coinciding with the first anniversary of the liberation of Kursk.
