North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly designated his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his successor, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS). The announcement was shared with lawmakers on Thursday, highlighting Ju Ae’s rising prominence in state affairs.
Little is publicly known about Kim Ju Ae, who has accompanied her father to several high-profile events, including a visit to Beijing in September 2025—her first recorded trip abroad. NIS officials said her increasingly visible presence at official ceremonies was a key factor in evaluating her potential succession.
Lawmakers noted that Ju Ae, who is believed to be around 13 years old, has started to participate in state functions in ways that suggest policy involvement. She has been present at significant events, such as the founding anniversary of the Korean People’s Army and visits to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. Her participation indicates she may now be formally entering the stage of successor designation.
Ju Ae is the only publicly known child of Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju. While the NIS believes Kim Jong Un may have an older son, this child has never been acknowledged or shown in state media.
Ju Ae first appeared on North Korean television in 2022, inspecting the country’s latest intercontinental ballistic missile while holding her father’s hand. Since then, she has made frequent appearances, often positioned prominently alongside Kim Jong Un—an unusual practice in North Korean media that underscores her growing status.
She accompanied her father to China’s largest military parade and is often seen wearing long hair and designer clothing, symbols that set her apart from peers in the country. Observers note that in recent appearances, Ju Ae has sometimes been positioned beside or even ahead of her father, signaling her emerging authority.
The decision to appoint a daughter as heir raises questions in North Korea’s traditionally patriarchal society. Female figures have rarely been considered for ultimate leadership, though Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, provides a precedent for women holding significant power within the regime.
Analysts also question why Kim Jong Un, who remains relatively young and reportedly healthy, is already preparing a 13-year-old as his successor. It remains uncertain what direction Ju Ae might take North Korea if she assumes power in the future.
