Seoul – The South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) announced Thursday that it continues to assess Kim Jong Un’s teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as the likely heir to North Korea’s leadership, even as it investigates reports of a possible son.

Assessment of the succession line

The agency said that if a son does exist, he is not in a position to become the successor under the current circumstances. The NIS reaffirmed its earlier judgment that Kim Ju Ae, who is reported to be about 13 years old, is the most probable candidate to assume power when her father steps down.

According to the statement, the NIS is still working to verify whether Kim Ju Ae has an older brother. Even if such a brother were confirmed, the service indicated that he would not be considered a viable heir at this time. The agency also noted that Kim Jong Un has a younger child whose gender has not yet been confirmed.

Background and recent developments

The NIS clarification appears to respond to a recent media report claiming that South Korean intelligence had determined Kim Jong Un has no son with his wife, Ri Sol‑Ju. Since late 2022, Kim Ju Ae has been seen accompanying her father at high‑profile events, including missile launches and large military parades. State media has described her as her father’s “most beloved” or “most respected” child, and released footage that highlights their close relationship.

The name Kim Ju Ae was first reported based on an account by former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who recalled holding the leader’s baby daughter during a 2013 visit to Pyongyang.

Political implications

Experts say the question of whether Kim Ju Ae has an older brother is crucial to understanding North Korea’s succession plans because the regime has historically been male‑dominated. All three leaders since the country’s founding in 1948—Kim Il‑Sung, Kim Jong‑Il, and Kim Jong Un—have been men.

Some analysts caution that senior North Korean officials might resist a female leader, while others note that Kim Ju Ae’s rise could eventually end the Kim family’s rule if she were to marry outside the family and pass power to her children.

At 42, Kim Jong Un is still relatively young, and some observers argue that he may be reluctant to name a definitive heir, a move that could preserve his absolute authority for the time being.

What the NIS says next

The NIS said it will continue to gather information on the leader’s family composition and will update its assessment as new evidence emerges. The agency’s focus remains on understanding the stability of the North Korean regime and any potential shifts in its leadership structure.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.