Speculation regarding the future leadership of North Korea has intensified following a sensational report from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS). The intelligence briefing, presented to South Korean lawmakers, suggests that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has finalized plans to designate his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his official successor. The announcement is expected to take place during a high-level political conference scheduled for late February 2026, where the regime will outline its policy goals for the next five years.
Thirteen-year-old Kim Ju Ae first captured global attention in November 2022 when she accompanied her father to a long-range missile test. Since then, her public profile has grown significantly, appearing at major military parades and visiting the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, a sacred memorial for the nation’s former leaders. While analysts initially doubted a female successor due to North Korea’s patriarchal traditions, her consistent presence at high-stakes military events and her father’s habit of seeking her input on policy matters have led intelligence agencies to revise their assessments.
The upcoming Workers’ Party meeting is viewed as a crucial stage for legitimizing her role. Although party rules typically require members to be at least 18 years old, experts suggest she may be appointed as the “First Secretary” of the Central Committee—the second-most powerful position in the country. This strategic move aims to solidify the “Paektu Bloodline” and ensure the continuation of the Kim family’s hereditary rule, which began with Kim Il Sung and continued through Kim Jong Il to the current leader.
