Kim Joo-ae made her first public appearance with her father in November 2022 while testing a new intercontinental ballistic missile.
A new successor has been found for North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. His 10-year-old daughter Kim Joo-ae, who has recently accompanied him everywhere from missile tests to military parades, is likely to be his successor, according to South Korean intelligence. However, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) emphasizes that they are still considering various options for Pyongyang’s succession plans.
What is known about the daughter
Kim Joo-ae first appeared in public with her father in November 2022 at the test of the new Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile and has been a constant presence at all important events since then. Apparently, he is about 10 years old, although the exact date of birth of Kim, his wife, or children has not been officially announced.
“Based on a thorough review of her public activities and the level of respect with which she has been treated since the beginning of her public appearances, it can be assumed that Kim Joo-ae is the likely successor,” NIS said in a statement. . “However, we continue to consider all possibilities because Kim Jong Un is still relatively young, does not have any significant health problems, and there are many variables.”
The Minister of Reunification of the Republic of Korea, Kim Yong Ho, gave a similar assessment of the situation to a North Korean successor at a press conference in December.
“The continued focus on Kim Jong Un’s daughter can be seen as evidence that North Korea is rushing to demonstrate its succession intentions amid difficult circumstances at home,” he said.
dear child
Outside observers of North Korea note that the local media, who was officially called Ju Ae Kim’s Favorite Son, is now calling him Respected. This is the most honorable speech: Kim Jong-un himself began to be called “respected comrade” only after his status as the future leader of the country was determined.
From birth, the people of North Korea have been instilled with the idea that almost holy blood runs through the veins of the Kims and that they are destined from above to rule the country. So there is no doubt that Kim Jong-un will want to continue this tradition, ensuring that the fourth generation of Kims will lead the way.
Now the daughter relentlessly follows her father. Most recently, in December, they jointly attended tests of the newest intercontinental ballistic solid-propellant missile, the Hwasong-18.
Earlier, in November, they watched together the launch of the Mulligyong-1 spy satellite into orbit, which, according to Pyongyang, photographed the White House in detail.
According to analysts, by showing his daughter to the general public at such a young age, Kim Jong-un hopes that by the time he has full power, everyone will be used to her, and he will establish his position as a leader.
It is also possible that Kim hopes in this way to overcome deeply rooted prejudices against women in leadership positions in the patriarchal North Korean society.
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.