North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un's daughter, Kim Ju Ae, is being considered for the next leader. This move could spark a power struggle with Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong. ...read more

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, who flaunts his dominance around the world, may be facing civil strife, according to a South Korean intelligence agency.

It says Kim Jong Un's daughter, Kim Ju Ae, is poised and close to becoming the country's next leader . This move could pit Ju against her aunt, Kim Yo Jong, in the future.

Kim Joo Ho will officially be Kim's heir apparent.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) told lawmakers last week that Kim Ju Ae , who is only 13 years old, is set to be officially named Kim's successor.

The timing is considered crucial, as North Korea prepares for its biggest political conference later this month, where Kim Jong Un is expected to set major goals and consolidate his hold.

Kim Joo Ae has been seen with her father on several occasions.

Officials say it remains to be seen whether Kim Ju Ae will appear with her father at the conference in front of thousands of delegates.

Kim Ju Ae first appeared in public during a long-range missile test in November 2022. Since then, she has been seen with her father on several occasions. She also visited Beijing, China, in September last year.

NIS officials already suspected that North Korea's successor could be a woman, and this suspicion deepened after Kim Ju Ae was repeatedly seen with her father.

Kim Ju Ae's aunt may challenge

Officials believe Kim's daughter could face a challenge from her sister. Kim Yo Jong is considered the second most powerful figure in North Korea and enjoys strong political and military support. Kim Yo Jong currently holds a senior position in the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of North Korea.

According to a report in the New York Post, Rah Jong-yil, a former senior South Korean intelligence official, warned that a power struggle could be brewing in North Korea. He said that if Kim Yo Jong feels she has the opportunity, she will not back down from her bid to become the top leader.

Kim Yo Jong has cultivated a fearsome image both inside and outside North Korea. Known for her sharp words, Kim Yo Jong frequently issues statements in her own name.

The brutal history of North Korea's family

Family brutality has been a common occurrence in North Korea. It's a history. After taking power in 2011, Kim Jong Un took action against his uncle and mentor, Jang Song-thaek. He was executed in 2013 on charges of anti-party and factionalism.

Additionally, Kim's half-brother, Kim Jong Nam, once considered the heir apparent to North Korea, also died when two women sprayed him in the face with a chemical weapon (VX) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia in 2017.

 PC:EuroNews/Wion