South Korea Views Kim Jong Un’s Daughter as the ‘Next Leader’

As Jo Tae-Yong, the nominee for the Director of the National Intelligence Service, named Kim Ju-ae, the daughter of Kim Jong Un, the North Korean Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, as a potential successor, Shin Beom-chul, the former Vice Minister of National Defense also said, “At this point, she has the highest possibility of being the next leader.”

Former Vice Minister Shin appeared on the SBS Radio ‘Political Show’ on the 4th and revealed this, saying, “There is still a question mark as to whether she is the confirmed successor.”

Former Vice Minister Shin also said about Kim Ju-ae’s public activities, “Continuing to appear in activities related to the military or where songs are sung is how North Korea has traditionally set up succession structures in the past.”

However, he emphasized, “Although the North Korean system is said to aspire to socialism, it seems to be the same as the old monarchy. If Kim Jong Un’s mind changes, it can change at any time. Since there was no ceremony like a crown prince’s appointment, there is still a possibility that the successor can change to some extent.”

Nominee Jo revealed, “The National Intelligence Service understands that Chairman Kim has a child of unknown gender in addition to Kim Ju-ae, who was born in 2013.”

Previously, nominee Jo had named Kim Ju-ae as a potential successor when he was serving as the director of the National Security Office.

He said on KBS ‘Sunday Diagnosis Live’ on the 3rd of last month, “Looking at what has been released so far, I think Kim Ju-ae is the successor and we need to verify it,” citing a photo of Chairman Kim and Kim Ju-ae standing side by side reported in the North Korean Rodong Sinmun. The Rodong Sinmun is a domestic medium consumed by North Korean residents.

Nominee Jo said at the time, “There are some things that are a bit puzzling and need to be scrutinized, so it’s not right to be 100% sure,” but also said, “Until recently, I thought, ‘Could Kim Ju-ae be the successor?’ Now, I think, ‘Maybe Kim Ju-ae is the successor, is that correct?’ I think we’re at a stage where we need to scrutinize that.”

Meanwhile, former Vice Minister Shin said about the scene of Chairman Kim kissing his daughter on New Year’s Day, which was released by major North Korean media, “North Korea is strong in propaganda, so it has to be meaningful,” but also said, “The situation in North Korea is difficult, so it can only be analyzed as intentionally showing a domestic appearance, a loving appearance towards the residents.”

However, he added, “(Chairman Kim) might have just done it because he likes (his daughter). I don’t think we need to attach too much meaning to it.”

By. Hyun Tae Kang