SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea’s national intelligence agency recently informed lawmakers that Kim Jong-un’s teenage daughter could soon be positioned as the next leader of North Korea, indicating a potential extension of the Kim family dynasty into a fourth generation. This revelation comes as North Korea gears up for a major political conference where Kim is expected to outline his policy priorities for the next five years and further solidify his authoritarian regime.

Officials from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) have been closely monitoring developments regarding Kim’s daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju-ae, who is around 13 years old. Lawmaker Lee Seong Kweun shared insights from a closed briefing, including the possibility of her attending the upcoming Workers’ Party congress alongside her father, which could serve as a significant public debut.

Kim Ju-ae made her first public appearance during a long-range missile test in November 2022 and has since been seen at various events with her father, including military parades and factory inaugurations. Notably, she accompanied him on a trip to Beijing for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing her growing role within the North Korean political landscape.

Speculation about her future leadership has intensified following a visit on New Year’s Day to Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the mausoleum of her grandfather and great-grandfather, both former leaders. Experts interpreted this visit as a potential signal of her preparation for a leadership role.

While initial doubts existed about a female leader in such a patriarchal society, her increasing visibility in state media has prompted a reassessment of her potential to ascend to power. In previous assessments, the NIS indicated that Kim’s decision to include her in key events was likely part of a broader strategy to cultivate her public persona and legitimacy.

The NIS now refers to Kim Ju-ae as being in a “successor-designate stage,” a notable shift from earlier characterizations of her as merely undergoing “successor training.” This change suggests a recognized transition toward her potential leadership role, with indications that Kim Jong-un may be seeking her opinion on policy matters.

Details about Kim Ju-ae remain scarce, as North Korean state media have consistently referred to her only as his esteemed child. The name Kim Ju-ae is believed to have originated from an account by former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who described holding Kim’s infant daughter during a visit to Pyongyang in 2013. Intelligence officials suspect she was born that same year.

In 2023, South Korean intelligence indicated that Kim and his wife likely have an older son and a younger child whose gender is not confirmed. The Kim family’s leadership lineage has historically been male-dominated, starting with the country’s founding leader, Kim Il-sung, followed by his son, Kim Jong-il.

Kim Jong-un himself became the official heir at the young age of 26, a decision made during a party conference in 2010 shortly after his father suffered a stroke. Analysts speculate that Kim’s experiences as a young leader may have influenced his decision to introduce his daughter into the political realm earlier than expected, signaling a strategic move to prepare her for future responsibilities.