Feb 12, 2026, 1:06 p.mFeb 12, 2026, 1:06 p.m
North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un has chosen his daughter Kim Ju Ae as his one-time successor. This is reported by the BBC citing the South Korean secret service NIS.
Kim Ju Ae will one day inherit her father Kim Jong-un.Image: keystone
The NIS states that it came to this conclusion based on various circumstances. Ju Ae has recently been present at her father’s performances more often. She recently traveled to Beijing with Kim Jong-un. The main question now is whether she will be present at the North Korean party congress at the end of the month – a key event that only takes place every five years. At this meeting, the country’s strategic direction in the coming years is discussed.
Not much is known about Kim Ju Ae. She is (at least officially) the child of Kim and his wife Ri Sol Ju. Although there are regular rumors about a son of the ruler, such information has never been confirmed. Kim Ju Ae was probably born in 2012 or 2013 and made her first appearance on public television in 2022. According to the NIS, she has now started to become politically involved. Despite her young age, she is already said to be one of the country’s most important leaders.
If Kim were to actually appoint his daughter as his successor one day, this would be a first. A woman has never been at the head of North Korea before. It also remains unclear why the ruler is already taking care of his successor. Kim Jong-un is only 42 years old. He succeeded his late father Kim Jong-il in December 2011. (dab)