Former NIS Chief Park Ji-won: "Kim Ju-ae Is Not Kim Jong-un's Successor... Has a Son Studying Abroad"

Park Ji-won, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea and former director of the National Intelligence Service, claimed that Kim Ju-ae, daughter of North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, is not the successor. On the 29th, in an interview on YTN Radio's 'Shin Yul's News Face-off,' Park said, "I do not see Kim Ju-ae as the successor," adding, "The National Intelligence Service should first reveal where Kim Ju-ae's older brother, that is, Kim Jong-un's eldest son, is. However, there has never been a female leader in North Korea, China, or Russia so far."

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un and his daughter Kim Ju-ae
[Photo by Korean Central News Agency]

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He continued, "If Kim Jong-un does not have a son, since North Korea is a feudal society, he would have produced a son by some means," and "At that age, Kim Jong-un and Kim Yo-jong were studying abroad in Switzerland. The son has not appeared, and continuously promoting Kim Ju-ae seems like an attempt to conceal the son's study abroad," he said.

Earlier, the National Intelligence Service stated at the National Assembly Intelligence Committee's audit that regarding Kim Ju-ae, "Her exposure frequency is being controlled while expanding her activity range to party events, and it appears her status has been somewhat elevated as she is guided by Kim Yo-jong or assisted by Choe Son-hui." The National Intelligence Service also said, "There are scenes of her having direct conversations with the Russian ambassador, releasing 'two-shot photos' of Kim Jong-un and Kim Ju-ae together, and she is accompanied by dedicated bodyguards, indicating a solid position."

Park Ji-won, member of the Democratic Party of Korea and chairman of the National Security Situation Inspection Committee (center)
[Photo by Yonhap News]

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In response, Park said, "Even when I was at the National Intelligence Service, it was true that Kim Jong-un was very fond of Kim Ju-ae," but added, "Her aunt Kim Yo-jong is taking good care of her, so I do not see it as a status elevation in terms of official position." Regarding the National Intelligence Service report that Kim Jong-un raised his security level due to assassination concerns, he said, "Kim Jong-un always feels threatened about his life. Because of that, he experiences tremendous stress." He added, "This is why internal security is being strengthened, as assassinations are common in places like Israel and Iran."

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