NIS: "Currently, Kim Juae is a Leading Successor in North Korea"

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un and his daughter Kim Ju-ae [Image source=Yonhap News]

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) has indicated that Kim Ju-ae, the daughter of North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, is considered the most likely successor. This is the first time the NIS has officially mentioned Kim Ju-ae as a leading candidate for succession.

Cho Tae-yong, the nominee for the new head of the NIS, stated in written responses submitted on the 4th to Rep. Yoon Gun-young, the Democratic Party's ranking member of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, that "Considering Kim Ju-ae's public activities and the level of protocol since her emergence, it appears that Kim Ju-ae is currently the most likely successor."

However, Cho added, "Since Kim Jong-un is still young and in good health without major issues, and given many variables, all possibilities remain open and are being closely monitored."

He also noted, "Regarding Kim Jong-un's children, the NIS understands that besides Kim Ju-ae, born in 2013, there is another child whose gender is unknown." This implies that because Kim Jong-un may have other children, it remains to be seen whether Kim Ju-ae will be confirmed as the successor.

The NIS released a statement expressing the same position earlier that morning.

Regarding the possibility of additional nuclear tests by North Korea, Cho explained, "North Korea is maintaining and managing the Punggye-ri nuclear test site to be ready for a nuclear test at any time," adding, "The timing of such a test will likely be determined by a political decision considering Kim Jong-un's overall situation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.