South Korea has claimed that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, has a younger sibling.
The National Intelligence Service (NIS), the spy agency in South Korea, said Kim Ju Ae is currently being groomed as her father’s successor.
The agency said it knows Kim Ju Ae has a younger sibling but does not know the child’s gender. The NIS also continues to verify whether Kim has an older brother. However, it said any older brother would not appear positioned to succeed him.
Kim Ju Ae emerges as successor
Kim Ju Ae first appeared publicly in 2022 when she joined her father during an intercontinental ballistic missile launch.
Since then, she has accompanied Kim Jong Un at several major political and military events.
She also joined her father during a high-profile visit to Beijing, further raising speculation about her future role.
North Korean state media have increasingly highlighted Kim Ju Ae in official coverage. They have called her the “beloved child” and a “great person of guidance.”
The latter title, hyangdo, traditionally refers to senior leaders and potential successors.
Ruling family maintains tight control
The Kim family has ruled North Korea for decades through an authoritarian political system.
The ruling family also promotes the importance of its “Paektu bloodline” as part of the country’s leadership tradition.
South Korea has previously assessed that Kim Jong Un has three children. However, uncertainty remained over their birth order and individual identities.
The latest intelligence assessment provides more details about the family structure while strengthening speculation surrounding Kim Ju Ae’s future.
Nevertheless, the NIS said it continues to verify information about the North Korean leader’s children.
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