13-02-2026

North Korea's Kim Jong Un Names Daughter as Heir

Date: 13-02-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | edition.cnn.com: 1 | foxnews.com: 1 | news.sky.com: 1
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Image Source:

Source: foxnews.com

Image content: main subject or scene shown in the image is a man and woman seated at a reception desk. The people visible include the man and woman at the desk, as well as numerous individuals in the background, some of whom are in military uniforms and others in suits. Here is a concise 2-3 sentence description of what is visible in the image: A man and woman sit at a reception desk with a sign that reads "RECEPTION" in English and Korean characters. The woman wears a black quilted jacket with a fur collar, while the man is dressed in a black suit and red tie. In the background, a crowd of formally dressed individuals and uniformed personnel are gathered.

Summary

South Korea's National Intelligence Service reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has chosen his 13-year-old daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his successor, citing her increased public presence at official events and potential appointment as first secretary of the ruling party at the upcoming party congress.

Key Points

  • Kim Jong Un's daughter, Kim Ju Ae, is being groomed to succeed him as North Korea's leader
  • She has been increasingly visible at public events, including a visit to Beijing and inspections of North Korea's latest intercontinental ballistic missile
  • The selection of a female heir is unusual in North Korea's patriarchal society, but Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, holds a senior position in the regime
  • The National Intelligence Service is monitoring whether Kim Ju Ae will attend the upcoming party congress, a significant political event held every five years

Articles in this Cluster

Kim Ju Ae: North Korea leader Kim Jong Un chooses daughter as heir, Seoul says

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) has informed lawmakers that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has chosen his 13-year-old daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his heir. The NIS based its assessment on her increasingly prominent public presence at official events. Kim Ju Ae has been seen accompanying her father at high-profile events, including a visit to Beijing and the inspection of North Korea's latest intercontinental ballistic missile. The selection of a female heir is unusual in North Korea's patriarchal society, but Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong, holds a senior position in the regime, providing a precedent for female authority. The NIS will monitor whether Kim Ju Ae attends the upcoming party congress, a significant political event held every five years.
Entities: Kim Jong Un, Kim Ju Ae, South Korea, North Korea, National Intelligence Service (NIS)Tone: neutralSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Could Kim Jong Un’s teenage daughter be North Korea’s next leader? | CNNClose icon

The article discusses the possibility of Kim Jong Un's teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, becoming the next leader of North Korea. Experts believe that Kim Jong Un is grooming her to succeed him, citing her increasing public appearances and involvement in policy discussions. The National Intelligence Service of South Korea has stated that Kim Jong Un has entered the stage of nominating her as his successor. However, some experts argue that it could be a PR stunt to attract international attention. The article also provides background information on Kim Ju Ae's public appearances and the secrecy surrounding the Kim family.
Entities: Kim Jong Un, Kim Ju Ae, North Korea, National Intelligence Service, South KoreaTone: neutralSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Kim's daughter reportedly close to being set as North Korea future leader | Fox News

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) has informed lawmakers that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, is nearing the stage of being designated as the regime's future leader. The NIS reported this information during a closed-door briefing, stating that they are closely monitoring whether Kim Ju Ae will appear with her father at the upcoming Workers' Party Congress. This development suggests a significant shift in the NIS's assessment, as they previously described Kim Ju Ae as being in 'successor training.' The NIS now believes she is at the 'successor-designate stage.' Kim Jong Un is the third generation of his family to rule North Korea, a nuclear-armed nation. The international community remains concerned about North Korea's nuclear capabilities and its relations with other countries, including Russia and the United States.
Entities: Kim Jong Un, Kim Ju Ae, North Korea, South Korea, National Intelligence ServiceTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Kim Jong Un set to name daughter as next leader of North Korea, spy agency says | World News | Sky News

South Korea's National Intelligence Agency (NIS) believes that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is set to name his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his successor at the upcoming party congress later this month. The girl, believed to be a teenager, has become increasingly prominent in North Korean propaganda and has accompanied her father to various events, including a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Experts say she could be appointed first secretary of the ruling party, consolidating her position as successor. The announcement is expected to be made at the party congress, which is being held after a five-year hiatus.
Entities: Kim Jong Un, Kim Ju Ae, South Korea, North Korea, National Intelligence Agency (NIS)Tone: neutralSentiment: neutralIntent: inform