(Image source from: AFP)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is preparing his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae to succeed him as the country's leader, according to a recent press conference. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) has revealed that Kim Ju Ae is undergoing training as a potential successor and considers her a possible heir to the Kim family. Lee Seong-kweun, a member of South Korea's National Assembly, told reporters after being tipped off by intelligence agencies: "North Korea has declared Kim Ju Ae, the legitimate heir, and she is the most likely successor." Kim Ju Ae's age was not revealed but she is said to be around 12 years old and has been seen with her father at various public events, especially those related to military activities. According to ABC News, more than half of her public appearances involve overseeing military training, consistent with the NIS's assessment that she is ready for a leadership role. State media described her as a "great leader," a title usually given to a leader or successor, further fueling speculation about his future role.
The National Intelligence Service also expressed concern about Kim Jong Un's health, noting that he weighs about 140 kilograms and is "severely obese," putting him at risk of heart disease. Heart disease runs in his family, as both his father and grandfather died from heart disease. Kim has reportedly been showing signs of high blood pressure and diabetes since his early 30s, and North Korea is reportedly exploring Western medicine to address these health problems. Although Kim Ju Ae is currently considered the front-runner in the succession process, the National Intelligence Service does not rule out the possibility that another brother could emerge as a possible replacement. The North Korean regime is carefully monitoring the public's reaction to Kim Ju Ae's role and adjusting her exposure to ensure a smooth transition of power at the right time. Kim Jong-un's health remains a focus of foreign observers, and the impact of his succession plans on North Korea's stability and its nuclear arsenal remains important. Kim, who first appeared in 2022, was originally believed to be Kim Jong Un's second child. Kim Jong Un and his wife Ri Sol Ju are said to have three children, two daughters and a son, but North Korea has not officially confirmed this.
