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The National Intelligence Service has confirmed that Kim Ju Ae is likely the successor of Chairman Kim Jong Un at this point. Ju-ae has been gaining prominence since she was seen at the test launch site of the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-17 in November 2022.
Cho Tae Yong, the nominee for the new director of the National Intelligence Service, stated in a written answer to a parliamentary intelligence committee chaired by Democratic Party member Yoon Gun Young on the 4th, “After analyzing Kim Ju Ae’s public activities and level of courtesy since her appearance, she appears to be a strong successor at this point.”
Cho added, “However since Kim Jong Un is still young and healthy and there are many variables, we keep all possibilities open and closely monitor. The National Intelligence Service understands that in addition to Kim Ju Ae, who was born in 2013, Kim Jong Un has another child of unknown gender.”
A high-ranking official from the Ministry of Unification also stated last month, “Considering that the succession preparation process was concise after Kim Jong Un’s father, Kim Jong Il, died in 2011, there is a possibility that Ju Ae’s early debut was made with this in mind.”
As for the possibility of additional nuclear tests by North Korea, nominee Cho said, “North Korea is maintaining and managing the Punggye-ri nuclear test site so that it can conduct a nuclear test at any time, and the timing of the test will be determined by Kim Jong Un’s political decision considering various political situations.”
He elaborated that following North Korea’s unveiling of a new nuclear warhead, dubbed Volcano-31, in March 2023, there has been an increased demand for nuclear tests. These tests are seen as necessary for verifying performance and demonstrating power, more so than in the past.
By. Young Hun Park
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