North Korea: Kim Jong Un out, daughter in? Why are there rumours of leadership change?

New Delhi: North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has advanced significantly in the process of naming his daughter Kim Ju Ae as his successor. South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) announced this in a closed-door briefing of parliament on Thursday. The NIS stated that Kim Ju Ae has now reached the "stage of being designated as successor." According to the agency, she was previously described as "in successor training," but the language has now changed, indicating a more concrete and well-planned process.

What did Lee Seong-kwoon say?

Lawmaker Lee Seong-kwoon told reporters after the briefing that the NIS stated that Kim Ju Ae has accompanied her father to various major military and symbolic events, such as the founding anniversary of the Korean People's Army, a visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, and the Air Force Day celebrations. Furthermore, there have been indications of her expressing views on policy issues during inspections. The agency cited Kim's daughter's public appearances, prominent position next to her father, government media coverage, and behavior as evidence of succession preparations. Indeed, over the past two years, state media has repeatedly featured her at intercontinental ballistic missile launches, military parades, and meetings of senior defense officials.

The NIS believes Kim Ju Ae is now the de facto second-highest-ranking leader and is providing input on policy matters. The agency will closely monitor the Workers' Party Congress later this month, where her participation, protocol level, any official title, or amendments to party rules could confirm succession.

What was Kim Ju Ae's first international appearance?

Kim Ju Ae's first international appearance was last year's trip to China, where she accompanied her father on a bulletproof train to Beijing and attended a military parade. It is worth noting that North Korea has been ruled by the Kim family under hereditary rule since the 1940s. Kim Jong Un was declared the successor before his father, Kim Jong Il, died in 2011. Kim Ju Ae is believed to be the youngest child of Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, who may have two or three children, but Pyongyang has not publicly confirmed the existence of other children.