North Korean Expert Suggests Kim Jong Un Is Preparing His Daughter Kim Ju Ae to Become Country’s Next Leader in Pyongyang

Speculation is mounting over the future of North Korea’s leadership, with many eyes turning to the young daughter of Kim Jong Un.

According to Korea expert Andrei Lankov, the girl, widely referred to as Kim Ju Ae in foreign media, is increasingly being positioned as a likely heir to the Kim dynasty, a shift that could signal a historic change in North Korean politics.

Carefully Crafted Public Image

Lankov explains that Kim Jong Un has spent years carefully cultivating his daughter’s public profile.

“He began advancing her in advance so that she would become familiar, visible, and widely recognized,” he told Lenta.ru.

Her appearances are not just ceremonial. According to Reuters, citing South Korean intelligence sources, Pyongyang has taken deliberate steps to elevate her status, including her alleged involvement in political decision-making.

South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong Kweun noted a shift in terminology from describing her as “under consideration” to “in the stage of being designated as successor.”

Who Is Kim Ju Ae?

Officially, the identity of Kim Jong Un’s daughter remains unconfirmed.

While foreign media often refer to her as Kim Ju Ae, this is still an assumption rather than verified fact.

Analysts estimate her birth year as 2012 or 2013, though North Korean authorities have released no official data.

Lankov points out that state media avoids using personal names, opting instead for honorifics.

Over time, she has been described variously as “comrade” and more recently with titles that translate roughly as “the great person who guides the path.”

Japanese researchers estimate she has appeared more than 600 times in official media — a remarkable visibility for any member of the ruling family.

State rhetoric increasingly emphasizes dynastic symbolism, with frequent references to the “Paektu bloodline,” linking her to North Korea’s founding mythology and signaling continuity of the Kim family legacy.

Potential Challenges to Her Rise

Despite her prominence, analysts caution that a female successor faces potential resistance from North Korea’s traditionally conservative military and political elite.

Lankov noted, “There are certainly risks.

But if the girl demonstrates strength and toughness, the elite will adapt.”

Her appearances at high-profile diplomatic meetings alongside her father, including events with international leaders, suggest that she is being slowly integrated into the core leadership circle.

Changing Attitudes Among the Elite

Lankov also highlights shifting gender dynamics within North Korea’s ruling structures.

Women have increasingly occupied senior government positions in recent years, reflecting evolving norms.

Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s sister, has long been a prominent figure in North Korea’s political hierarchy, demonstrating that female influence is increasingly accepted among the younger generation of officials.

“The younger generation of North Korea’s elite already understands that women can hold positions of power,” Lankov said, pointing to these gradual but notable changes in elite attitudes.

What’s Next?

Observers will be watching closely to see if Kim Ju Ae continues to gain visibility and influence in the coming months.

Analysts expect Pyongyang to continue highlighting her role in state media and possibly in diplomatic contexts to normalize her presence as a future leader.

Meanwhile, potential power dynamics within the military and older elite could influence how quickly she is officially designated as a successor.

International analysts will also monitor the messaging and symbolism in state media for further clues about the timing and certainty of her succession.

Summary

Kim Jong Un’s daughter, frequently referred to as Kim Ju Ae, is emerging as a likely successor to North Korea’s leadership, according to expert Andrei Lankov.

Her public visibility has been carefully cultivated over several years, with reported involvement in political decision-making and symbolic appearances reinforcing dynastic continuity.

While her rise could face resistance from the conservative elite, evolving attitudes toward female leadership and her presence in diplomatic events suggest she is gradually being positioned for power.

Analysts continue to watch state media and political developments closely for indications of her future role.