Kim Jong Un’s daughter in succession spotlight; aunt remains key power figure

Speculation over the future leadership of the Kim Jong Un regime has intensified amid signs the country’s leader is increasingly positioning his teenage daughter, widely believed to be Kim Ju Ae, as a potential successor ahead of the 9th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, slated for later this month.

A recent closed-door briefing by South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) to lawmakers indicated the agency now regards Ju-ae as having moved beyond a preparatory stage and into a phase where she is being seen internally as her father’s successor. Lawmakers said the NIS identified her participation in key events and evolving roles as signs of her elevated status within the regime.

Ju-ae, believed to be in her early teens, has appeared more frequently in state media alongside Kim Jong Un at high-profile occasions, including military celebrations and official visits, fueling speculation about her future role. NIS briefers reportedly noted indications that she has begun to provide input on discussions related to state measures — a rare departure from purely ceremonial appearances.

Kim Ju-ae first came to international attention when she appeared publicly with her father at military and diplomatic events. She was featured in state media accompanying Kim at a Kumsusan Palace of the Sun mausoleum visit marking a New Year occasion, an event some analysts interpreted as part of broader efforts to raise her profile.

The upcoming 9th Party Congress is expected to offer the most concrete evidence yet of the regime’s intentions, with attention on possible changes in titles, positions and protocol that could indicate succession dynamics.