Who is Kim Jong Un’s successor as leader of North Korea?

The South Korean intelligence agency indicated that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s daughter, Kim Ju-ae, may be in line to succeed him, although the decision is not considered final. 

South Korean lawmakers revealed insights from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) regarding North Korea’s succession plans. 

According to representatives from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the Democratic Party of Korea, the NIS identified Ju-ae as a prominent candidate for succession based on recent observations and reports.

The NIS’s analysis points to Ju-ae being trained for leadership, considering the specific titles used for her, the frequency of her public engagements, and the nature of the events she attends. 

Notably, approximately 60 percent of her public activities involved accompanying her father to military events, while the remainder has been related to economic affairs.

The Korean term "Hyangdo," meaning "guide," used by North Korean state media in reference to Ju Ae, further suggests her possible role as a future leader. 

The PPP representative explained that "Hyangdo" connotes a role of leading and illuminating the path in revolutionary contexts, typically associated with leaders or their successors.

Despite these indications, the NIS cautioned that Kim Jong-un’s choice of successor is not set in stone, Kim Jong Un may select a different successor.