North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly designated his daughter Kim Ju Ae as his likely successor, according to a briefing note presented by South Korean intelligence services to parliamentarians in Seoul.
According to the National Intelligence Service (NIS), Kim Ju Ae is now considered the country's "de facto second leader." South Korean analysts believe that she is no longer content with symbolic appearances, but is contributing to shaping certain political directions—a notable development in a regime historically dominated by male figures of the Kim dynasty.
The young woman has appeared alongside her father on several occasions at military events, parades, and official inaugurations, fueling speculation about her future role. Observers are now watching to see if she will receive an official title at an upcoming meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea, which would be a strong signal of a planned dynastic transition.
At the same time, Kim Jong-un reportedly ordered the acceleration of the development of a ballistic missile-capable submarine, according to the same sources. This decision is part of the regime's military modernization strategy, which seeks to strengthen its deterrent capabilities against the United States and its regional allies.
Although the appointment of a successor remains officially unconfirmed by Pyongyang, the rise in visibility of Kim Ju Ae marks a major development in North Korean politics, where dynastic continuity remains a central pillar of power.
