Highlights:
- Kim Ju Ae, 13, reportedly designated successor by Kim Jong Un.
- Appears frequently at official events, providing policy input.
- Only acknowledged child of Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol Ju.
- First state TV appearance in 2022 inspecting missiles.
- Female succession challenges traditional North Korean patriarchal norms.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly designated his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his successor, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS). Ju Ae, who is believed to be 13, has recently been seen alongside her father at high-profile events, including international visits and domestic celebrations, fueling speculation about her emerging political role.
The NIS told South Korean lawmakers that a “range of circumstances,” including her increasing presence in official functions, informed their assessment that Ju Ae is now in the stage of “successor designation.” Lawmakers said her involvement in events like the founding anniversary of the Korean People’s Army and visits to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun demonstrated her growing influence in state matters.
Ju Ae is the only publicly recognized child of Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju. While reports suggest Kim may have an older son, this child has never been officially acknowledged or shown in North Korean media. The existence of Ju Ae first came to light in 2013 when former American basketball player Dennis Rodman revealed in an interview that he had held the infant during a visit to North Korea.
She made her first appearance on North Korean state television in 2022, inspecting an intercontinental ballistic missile while holding her father’s hand. Since then, Ju Ae has appeared regularly in media coverage, including accompanying Kim Jong Un to Beijing for a major military parade. Analysts note that she often stands beside her father in photos, symbolically positioning her as a figure of authority in the state hierarchy.
Her visible role at public events has led observers to believe she may be providing input on state policies, making her effectively the second-most powerful person in North Korea. Despite her young age, Ju Ae’s appearances suggest that she is being groomed to maintain the Kim family’s dynastic rule, which has passed through three generations.
The choice of a daughter as heir is notable in North Korea’s traditionally patriarchal society. Female authority in the regime is rare but not unprecedented, with Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, holding a senior position and wielding significant influence. Experts remain cautious, noting that her succession raises questions about potential changes in leadership style and policy direction, especially given Kim Jong Un’s relatively young age and apparent health.
For now, Ju Ae’s designation underscores the Kim family’s continued control over North Korea and signals a carefully managed dynastic transition. Observers will closely monitor her role during the upcoming North Korean party congress, where state priorities on foreign policy, military planning, and nuclear ambitions are expected to be outlined.
