Archive · 18 Sep 2025
Kim Ju Ae: Is North Korea preparing for a female leader?
Kim Jong Un might be getting his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, ready to be the next leader of North Korea.
She is around 12 or 13 years old.
She has been seen with her dad at important events, including a trip to China.
Since the country doesn't have clear rules for who becomes leader, this suggests she might take over.
If this happens, it would be a break from the country's history of male leaders.
There's also a chance her older brother or Kim Jong Un's sister could be chosen, but Kim Ju Ae's public appearances make her a likely candidate.
South Korea's spy agency suggests Kim Ju Ae is likely the recognized heir.
She accompanied her father to Beijing, marking her first international appearance.
Analysts see her appearances as a signal of preparation for leadership.
Succession in North Korea typically goes from parent to child.
Kim Jong Un's sister, Yo Jong, is also a potential successor.
- Who
- Kim Ju Ae, daughter of Kim Jong Un
- What
- May be being prepared to succeed her father as North Korea's next leader.
- When
- Her international debut in Beijing and appearances at multiple events.
- Where
- North Korea and Beijing, China.
- Why
- To potentially succeed Kim Jong Un, breaking the pattern of male leaders.
- Potential Successor
- Kim Ju Ae (daughter of Kim Jong Un)
- Age (Estimated)
- 12-13 years old
- First Public International Appearance
- Accompanied her father to Beijing
- Succession Pattern
- Traditionally, from parent to child
- North Korean Constitution
- No defined succession process