Seoul spy agency says it’s fair to view teen daughter of North Korean leader Kim as his heir
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s spy agency says it’s now fair to see what happens young girl North Korean leader Kim Jong Un It is his strongest assessment yet of the rising political status of the girl he believes, as his heir, can carry the family’s rule into the fourth generation.
The daughter, dubbed Kim’s “most loved” or “respected” child by state media, has accompanied her father to numerous high-profile events since late 2022, prompting outside speculation that she is being groomed as the North’s future leader.
Lee Jong-seok, director of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, said at a closed-door briefing at the National Assembly on Monday that the girl could be seen as Kim’s successor in response to lawmakers’ questions about his political stance, according to Lee Seong Kweun, one of the lawmakers who attended the meeting.
Asked about possible protests by Kim’s sister Kim Yo Jong, MP Lee told a briefing that the NIS director, long considered the North’s No. 2 figure, did not have significant authority. He noted that the NIS was referring to unspecified “credible intelligence.”
This was a stronger assessment by the NIS of the girl’s situation. He described the girl as her father’s child in early 2024 possible heirThe first official assessment of his possible preparations as the North’s next leader. In February of this year, the agency said it believed it was him. close to appointment as the future leader of the country.
Some observers disagree with NIS’ assessment, saying North Korea’s highly male-centered society would not likely embrace a female leader. They also said Kim, 42, was too young to name his successor and that the development could weaken his grip on power.
The girl’s name was reportedly Kim Ju Ae and she was approximately 13 years old, but North Korean state media did not publish such personal details. Its reported name is based on an account by former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who recalled Kim Jong Un holding his young daughter during an operation. Journey to Pyongyang In 2013.
Founded in 1948, North Korea has been repeatedly ruled by male members of the Kim family. Kim Jong Un hands over power to his father Death of Kim Jong Il Kim Jong Il took over power after the death of his father and state founder Kim Il Sung in 1994.
He was among some of the girl’s recent public appearances driving a tank during army training under the supervision of his father and the duo fire a gun during a visit to a light munitions factory.
During Monday’s briefing, the NIS said North Korean officials organize such events to enhance its military credentials and “reduce doubts about female succession,” legislator Lee said.
Park Sunwon, another lawmaker who attended the briefing, made similar comments about the NIS’s assessment of the girl’s recent enlistment in the military.
