The National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported on Thursday that North Korean Workers’ Party General Secretary Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju-ae, who accompanied him on his recent visit to China, gained overseas experience while maintaining a low profile. By appearing selectively and avoiding public events, she solidified her position as a potential successor.
This information was shared during a closed-door meeting of the National Assembly’s Intelligence Committee, as disclosed by ruling party member Park Sun-won of the Democratic Party and opposition member Lee Seong-gwon of the People Power Party.
Lee noted that Kim Ju-ae stayed at the embassy during her time in China, limited her external activities, and boarded a private train in advance upon her return to avoid media exposure. The NIS analysis suggests she has successfully established the revolutionary narrative necessary for a potential successor.
He added that North Korea internally confirmed the China trip of North Korean Workers’ Party General Secretary Kim and Kim Ju-ae through documentary films and photos from Rodong Sinmun, subtly revealing their embassy visit to North Korean citizens.
Regarding earlier reports about Kim’s wife, Ri Sol-ju, potentially joining the China trip instead of Kim Ju-ae, NIS Director Lee Jong-seok acknowledged shortcomings in their information-gathering methods.
The NIS interpreted Kim Ju-ae’s participation as part of a broader strategy to establish her succession narrative.
When questioned about Kim’s other children, the NIS dismissed previous theories about a child with disabilities or one studying abroad as unlikely.
Lee explained that the NIS considers it improbable for a child to be secretly studying abroad, reinforcing their belief that Ju-ae’s inclusion in the trip was meant to strengthen her position as a successor.
The NIS also reported that North Korea took measures to minimize the exposure of Kim and Kim Ju-ae’s biometric information during the trip, noting their stay at the North Korean embassy and the use of special aircraft for transporting materials.
According to the NIS, North Korean Workers’ Party General Secretary Kim appears to view his China trip as highly successful.
Park stated that Kim seemed to have achieved his goals of debuting on the multilateral diplomatic stage and showcasing a united front among North Korea, China, and Russia, presenting himself as the leader of a normal state.
However, the NIS also noted certain limitations, including disagreements during meetings between North Korea and China, as well as between North Korea and Russia.
While North Korea, China, and Russia presented a visual alliance, they made no progress in establishing concrete policy coordination platforms.
Regarding Kim’s health, Lee reported that he managed the entire schedule without significant issues, indicating good overall health.
The NIS stated that despite Kim’s obesity-related sweating and occasional breathlessness when climbing stairs, his vital signs mostly fall within normal ranges.
Lee mentioned that North Korean Workers’ Party General Secretary Kim’s diplomatic debut showed signs of tension and inexperience, such as walking ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping during a parade and mimicking Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions in meetings.
The NIS also reported that Kim showcased the development of a historically large engine at intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) facilities before and after his China visit, demonstrating advanced capabilities aimed at the U.S.
They described the revealed engine as a larger multiple warhead, hypersonic ICBM, likely intended to enhance nuclear capabilities and strengthen negotiating power with the U.S.
Looking ahead, the NIS expects North Korean Workers’ Party General Secretary Kim to adopt a more aggressive stance, leveraging confidence gained from his China trip. He may raise the bar for dialogue with the U.S. while simultaneously exploring back-channel contacts and pressing for nuclear disarmament talks.
Regarding South Korea, the NIS anticipates that Kim will maintain an adversarial stance while closely monitoring developments in the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
The NIS suggested that China might be deliberately distancing itself from North Korea to avoid the appearance of sanctions relief. Consequently, they predict increased support through informal channels and non-economic areas rather than through official economic cooperation.