SEOUL – South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) indicated on Oct 29 that Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, is rising in prominence, with signs pointing to her being groomed for a future leadership role. According to Representative Park Sun-won, vice-chair of the National Assembly intelligence committee, the NIS reported “a clear elevation of Ju Ae’s status.”
Kim Ju Ae, still in her pre-teens, has become increasingly visible at Workers’ Party of Korea events, often positioned beside her father, with photos showing them alone together. She has also appeared alongside high-ranking officials, including her aunt Kim Yo-Jong and even Russian ambassador Alexander Matsegora, strengthening speculation around her potential succession.
The NIS stated that Kim Jong Un aims to distinguish himself from his father and grandfather through heightened public presence and intensified security, deploying advanced anti-drone measures and network jamming vehicles. He has made 110 public appearances this year, a notable increase from last year.
On North Korea’s potential timing of a nuclear weapons test around the US election, the NIS suggested such a test may be more probable post-election, with alternative provocations like missile launches still on the table.