According to the National Intelligence Service (NIS) of South Korea, Kim Ju Ae, the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has effectively entered the succession stage to become the country’s next leader. Lawmakers Yoon Gunyoung and Yoo Youngha revealed the assessment on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, during a closed-door briefing of the Intelligence Committee of the South Korean National Assembly, as reported by The Asia Business Daily.
Pyongyang Media Strategy and Public Persona
South Korean intelligence agencies report that the frequent appearances of Kim Ju Ae in North Korean state media aim to cement her image as a future leader among domestic citizens. According to lawmaker Yoon Gunyoung, Pyongyang wants the public to recognize her as an authority figure. State media outlets have steadily elevated her status, with some reports noting that she has occasionally received the honorific title “Hyangdo,” or “tokoh pembimbing hebat”—a term typically reserved for top leaders or designated heirs.
Did you know? Kim Ju Ae first appeared publicly in November 2022 alongside her father during the test launch of a Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile, when state media initially referred to her as his “anak kesayangan”.
Military Training and Public Demonstrations
State media coverage has frequently placed Kim Ju Ae beside her father at high-profile military and political events. In February, publications highlighted an open-air shooting range visit where she aimed a rifle through a scope with her finger on the trigger near smoking gun barrels. Additional state releases have shown her inspecting amunition factories, riding aboard military tanks at the Pyongyang No. 60 Training Base, and attending major geopolitical events like the China Victory Day parade.
US-North Korea Diplomatic Prospects
Addressing potential diplomatic talks, the NIS informed South Korean lawmakers that a summit between Pyongyang and the United States remains possible at any given time. However, the agency clarified that no concrete contacts have been officially confirmed between the two governments, despite various signals suggesting a potential opening for dialogue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kim Ju Ae?
Kim Ju Ae is the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, estimated to be between 12 and 14 years old.
Why does South Korean intelligence believe she is the successor?
The NIS cited her frequent, prominent appearances alongside her father in state media—often centered on military exercises and high-level political events—as evidence that she is being groomed to lead.
Has North Korea officially declared her as the heir?
While state media has not formally announced a succession decree, analysts and intelligence officials note that her media positioning and use of exclusive honorifics mirror the preparation of past leaders.
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