• Kim Jong-un's daughter, Kim Ju Ae, is being positioned as his potential successor.
• South Korea's National Intelligence Service reports her increasing involvement in state matters.
• The upcoming Workers' Party Congress could formalize her role within the North Korean leadership.
• Analysts note a shift in terminology surrounding her succession training.
• The decision marks a historic potential shift in gender roles within North Korea's leadership.

According to South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS), North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is actively preparing to designate his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his successor. This marks a pivotal step towards extending the Kim family dynasty into its fourth generation. During a closed-door briefing, NIS officials revealed that Kim Ju Ae, believed to be around 13 years old, is currently in what they termed the “successor-designate stage.” This terminology change signifies a notable progression from her previously described status of being in “successor training,” as officials anticipate her potential official role at the upcoming Workers' Party Congress later this month, where significant policy goals are expected to be outlined, according to South China Morning Post, Al Jazeera, BBC, India Times, and NPR.

Kim Ju Ae's visibility in state-sponsored events is believed to reflect her increasing significance within the regime, as she has accompanied her father to several high-profile occasions since her first public appearance in November 2022. These events include military parades, weapon inspections, and a summit in Beijing, all enhancing speculation about her future political role. Lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun stated, “We believe that she has now entered the succession selection stage,” indicating a marked shift in how her role is perceived, according to South China Morning Post, Al Jazeera, BBC, and India Times.

The upcoming Workers' Party Congress, which is North Korea's largest political event, could serve as a platform for formalizing Kim Ju Ae’s succession. Analysts suggest she might be awarded a significant party title, although current regulations require members to be at least 18 years old. Observers are particularly interested in how she is presented during the congress, as her participation could solidify her role and status within the regime. “If you see comments like that, it would be reasonable to think that Ju Ae has been cemented as heir,” noted analyst Koh Yu-hwan, emphasizing the importance of party messaging during this critical event, according to South China Morning Post, Al Jazeera, BBC, India Times, and NPR.

Historically, leadership within North Korea has been male-dominated, which raises questions about the implications of a female successor. South Korean officials previously expressed skepticism regarding a woman leading the country, yet Kim Ju Ae's rapidly increasing presence in public spotlight has catalyzed a re-evaluation of her potential role in the future of North Korea. While currently shrouded in uncertainty, her ascension could signify a significant cultural shift within the nation, challenging entrenched traditional gender roles, according to South China Morning Post, Al Jazeera, BBC, India Times, and NPR.