Seoul, South Korea. The National Intelligence Service of South Korea has suggested that Kim Ju-ae, the young daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, is likely to be his heir apparent. The speculation arises amid increasing international interest in the 10-year-old since her first public appearance in November 2022, where she observed a long-range missile test launch with her father.
The assessment by South Korea’s spy agency comes at a time of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, as North Korea reportedly fired artillery rounds into the sea near the maritime border, prompting residents of two South Korean islands to seek shelter.
“The North Korean military conducted over 200 rounds of firing today from about 9-11 am (1200 to 0200 GMT) in the areas of Jangsan-got in the northern part of Baengnyeong island and the northern areas … of Yeonpyeong island,” revealed a South Korean defense ministry official during a briefing.
The move led to an evacuation order for civilians on Yeonpyeong island, described as a “preventive measure.” While the ministry did not confirm whether the order was in response to North Korean artillery fire or South Korean drills, a text message sent to residents mentioned “naval fire” to be conducted by South Korean troops from 3 pm on Friday.
The waters near the disputed Northern Limit Line have witnessed previous clashes, including the sinking of a South Korean navy corvette in 2010, believed to be caused by a North Korean torpedo.
Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, noted that North Korea’s artillery firings during winter exercises were not uncommon. However, he emphasized the current strained relations between the Koreas, with North Korea distancing itself from military confidence-building agreements.
The identification of Kim Ju-ae as a potential heir comes as she has accompanied Kim Jong-un to major public events, gaining recognition in state media as the leader’s “most beloved” or “respected” child. The South Korean spy agency based its assessment on a comprehensive analysis of her public activities and state protocols provided to her.
Symbolizing a departure from North Korean traditions, Kim Ju-ae has been seen participating in various political events, including a military parade where a senior general knelt and whispered to her. At a New Year’s Eve celebration, Kim Jong-un kissed her on the cheek, highlighting her closeness with her father.
While the spy agency acknowledges Kim Jong-un’s youth, good health, and the presence of at least one other child, it considers all possibilities regarding North Korea’s power succession process. The agency’s track record in confirming developments in the secretive nation is imperfect, and North Korea’s state media has yet to make direct comments on succession or Kim Ju-ae’s siblings.
Analysts in Seoul remain cautious about predicting Kim Ju-ae’s future role, emphasizing the lack of essential political achievements for formal anointment. Since its foundation in 1948, North Korea has been ruled by successive male members of the Kim family, and if Kim Ju-ae were to ascend, she would break from this historical
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
