Kim Jong Un's 13-year-old daughter emerges as North Korea's potential next leader

Kim Ju Ae, the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, is increasingly being seen as a potential successor. A recent trip by the girl to China strengthened her prominent status, according to South Korean intelligence.

She is believed to be 12–13 years old and reportedly resembles her mother in appearance. Accompanied by her father on her first visit to a major international gathering, it was her first public trip abroad. North Korean state media recorded her presence during the visit to Beijing.

She was seen exiting the train immediately after Kim Jong Un and in front of Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, applauding alongside representatives of the North Korean embassy. The girl was also present beside her father during meetings with high-ranking officials on the train.

At a closed briefing, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service noted that Kim Jong Un likely brought his daughter to China to gain international experience and reinforce her status as a possible heir. The intelligence agency cited coverage of her visit in Chinese state media.

North Korean media have never named the girl, referring to her only as the respected or beloved daughter of the leader. The name Ju Ae is known from the recollections of former NBA champion Dennis Rodman, who held her during a visit to Pyongyang in 2013.

Kim Jong Un first presented his daughter publicly during an intercontinental missile test in November 2022. Her public appearances have included military parades, missile tests, the commissioning of a naval destroyer, and, more recently, economic and cultural projects, including the opening of a beach resort.

Despite Kim Ju Ae’s regular appearances at events, some external experts remain skeptical about her status as heir, citing her young age and the traditionally male-dominated nature of power in North Korea.

Kim Jong Un’s daughter’s trip to China

Following her recent trip to China, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Ju Ae, has strengthened her reputation as a possible heir. Although she spent most of her time within the walls of the North Korean embassy and tried to avoid media attention, South Korean intelligence noted that she managed to create a convincing image that supports her prospects of becoming the country’s next leader.

North Korea has declared its readiness to provide military assistance to Russia if necessary. During talks, the leaders discussed the possible participation of North Korean troops in battles in the Kursk region and the prospects for further cooperation amid the ongoing armed conflict.

Additionally, Kim Jong Un held an official ceremony honoring North Korean soldiers who took part in military actions alongside Russia against Ukraine.