NIS: Kim Ju-ae Viewed as Effectively Designated Successor... What Was the Basis for the Closed-Door Briefing?

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) assessed today (Sept. 1), regarding North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's daughter Ju-ae, that "considering the frequent media exposures, she is effectively in the stage of being designated as the successor."

During a full session of the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee held today, the NIS reported, "We believe there is a purpose to instill her as a leader among the North Korean residents."

Representative Yoon Kun-young, the ruling party's secretary for the Intelligence Committee, revealed this information through a press briefing after the meeting.

[Yoon Kun-young / Democratic Party Lawmaker : They are viewing it as effectively the stage of being designated as the successor. They believe there is a purpose to imprint her as a leader to the North Korean residents.]

Earlier this year, Kim Ju-ae was exposed through North Korean media shooting a gun and directly piloting a new main battle tank, and she was recently spotted watching a performance alongside leader Kim Jong-un at the 73rd-anniversary event of the Day of Victory.

In July, the North Korean Embassy in Beijing replaced photos on its outdoor bulletin board, adding two more pictures featuring leader Kim Jong-un and his daughter Ju-ae together.

Previously, during a closed-door full session of the Intelligence Committee in April, it was also revealed that NIS Director Lee Jong-seok responded to lawmakers' questions asking whether Kim Ju-ae should be seen as the successor by saying, "It is safe to view her as the successor. This is not just a judgment based on simple circumstances, but a judgment based on credible intelligence."

On the other hand, some analyses suggest that Kim Yo-jong, the younger sister of leader Kim, has effectively been excluded from the succession race.

At the time, Director Lee reportedly answered a question about whether Kim Yo-jong had any grievances or raised issues by stating, "It has been effectively confirmed that Kim Yo-jong has no substantive power."


Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Chang Yu-jin | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.