In a significant revelation, South Korean media reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Ju Ae, is being groomed to succeed her father. This announcement follows over a year of speculation regarding the line of succession in the reclusive nation.
Kim Jong Un’s health and succession plans
The report, citing South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), also states that Kim is “ultra obese” and that his health is being closely monitored. These details add further intrigue to the potential transition of power in North Korea.
Ju Ae’s public appearances
Ju Ae, believed to be around 12 years old, had remained largely out of the public eye until recently. She was first introduced as an infant named “Ju Ae” to former NBA star Dennis Rodman during his visit with Kim Jong Un in early 2013. Rodman, who considers Kim a friend, brought international attention to Ju Ae at that time. The NIS report follows Ju Ae’s recent emergence into the public spotlight. She first garnered attention when she appeared alongside her father at a missile launch. Since then, she has been seen at various high-profile events, solidifying her presence in the public sphere.
Speculation on Ju Ae’s future role
In March, during a greenhouse tour in Kangdong County, home to the Kim family’s summer retreat, North Korean state media referred to Ju Ae as a “great person of guidance,” alongside her father. This honorific has fueled speculation among analysts that she is being prepared to follow in Kim Jong Un’s footsteps.
The Kim dynasty’s legacy
Should Ju Ae succeed Kim Jong Un, she would become the fourth leader in the Kim dynasty to rule the one-party state. The dynasty’s founder and first supreme leader, Kim Il Sung, was succeeded by his son, Kim Jong Il in 1994. Kim Jong Il was then succeeded by his son, Kim Jong Un, in 2011. The potential for Ju Ae to assume leadership underscores the continuation of the Kim family’s hold on power in North Korea, a regime known for its strict secrecy and dynastic rule.