North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears to be solidifying the status of his daughter Kim Ju Ae as his likely successor after she accompanied him on a state visit to China, according to South Korean lawmakers briefed by the country’s spy agency.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) told lawmakers on Thursday that Kim Ju Ae’s growing visibility signals her elevated position within North Korea’s leadership circle.
The agency noted that her presence during the China trip underscored her importance in diplomatic settings. Lawmakers said the NIS now views her as the most probable successor to Kim Jong Un.
Significance of China Visit
Kim Ju Ae’s appearance on the trip was more than ceremonial.
By placing her alongside him during a major foreign visit, Kim Jong Un sent a clear message to both domestic and international audiences about her future role.
