Kim Jong-un’s daughter boosts succession chances after China trip, intelligence reports
Photo: Kim Ju-ae, daughter of Kim Jong-un (kcna.kp)
The daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Ju-ae, has significantly strengthened her status as a potential successor following a recent trip to China, Yonhap News reports.
During her visit to China, the eighteen-year-old Ju-ae stayed at the North Korean embassy and avoided media coverage during her trip. However, according to South Korean intelligence, she managed to “secure enough of the narrative” necessary to solidify her position as a potential successor.
“The purpose of her trip was essentially part of a process to complete the narrative with her succession in mind,” South Korea’s intelligence agency stated.
North Korean state media showed Ju-ae accompanying Kim during his trip to Beijing last week to attend a military parade, further fueling speculation that she may be next in line for succession.
When asked whether Kim has other children besides Ju-ae who could be considered potential successors, intelligence officials noted speculation that another child may have a disability or be studying abroad, but this is unlikely.
The intelligence agency also assessed that Kim shows no serious health issues, noting that his pulse and blood pressure are normal.
“Kim carried out the entire schedule without any health-related issues. He was seen occasionally sweating heavily or panting when walking up the stairs due to obesity, but his heart rate and blood pressure are assessed to be within normal ranges,” the intelligence report said.
Last week, Kim made his first visit to China since 2019 to attend a major military parade in Beijing, standing alongside Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking his debut on the multilateral diplomatic stage.
On the sidelines of the parade, Kim held separate bilateral meetings with both leaders.
His visit to China was viewed as a strategic move to consolidate his power domestically, shed the image of an isolated ruler, and highlight deepening ties with China and Russia against the West.
From August 31 to September 1, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit was held in Tianjin, China, attended by over 20 world leaders.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping presented his vision for the post-war global order at the SCO summit.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also attended the summit in Tianjin, where he was personally received by Xi Jinping. The Kremlin leader was in China for four days.
