North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Prepares Daughter As Successor Amid Health Concerns

According to Seoul’s National Intelligence Service (NIS), North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is grooming his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, to be his successor. This revelation comes amid increasing concerns about Kim Jong Un’s health, shared during a briefing to the South Korean parliament’s intelligence committee.
Lee Seong-kwon, the committee secretary, noted that succession planning is underway, indicating Kim Ju-ae as a likely future leader. “Conscious of the [North Korean] public’s reaction to the young Kim Ju-ae, the levels of propaganda and the frequency of exposure to the outside world are being adjusted while undisclosed activities [successor training] are being simultaneously carried out,” Lee explained.
Kim Ju-ae, estimated to be between 10 and 12 years old, first appeared publicly during a missile launch in November 2022. Since then, she has frequently attended various events and ceremonies with her father. Her title in state media evolved from “beloved” to “respected,” paralleling the honorific used for her father, intensifying speculation about her role in the regime’s future.
Despite Kim Ju-ae’s visibility, reports suggest she has an older brother and a younger sibling who remain out of the public eye, leaving the final decision on succession unclear.
Kim Jong Un’s health issues are a significant concern, with reports indicating he weighs around 140kg (308 pounds) and has a BMI in the mid-40s. This places him in a high-risk group for heart disease. Lee highlighted that Kim has been experiencing high blood pressure and diabetes symptoms since his early thirties, with a strong family history of cardiovascular disease.
The NIS also noted the specific language used in North Korean state media, such as “hyangdo” or “direction,” which implies a pathway to leadership. This terminology is typically reserved for future leaders or heirs, suggesting that Kim Ju-ae’s role is being solidified. However, the agency has not ruled out the possibility of another sibling stepping forward or other changes in the succession plan.
These developments provide a glimpse into the secretive workings of North Korea’s leadership succession and underline the strategic planning involved in managing the regime’s future. The international community continues to closely monitor these signals for insights into the stability and direction of North Korea under its next potential leader.