Kim Jong Un’s Daughter Tipped As Successor

South Korea’s intelligence agency sees Kim Ju Ae as likely heir

February 12, 2026: North Korea’s leadership succession appears to be taking clearer shape, with South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) informing lawmakers that Kim Jong Un has likely chosen his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his successor. During a briefing on Thursday, the NIS said it assesses her as the most probable heir, citing multiple indicators including her increasingly frequent appearances at major state events alongside her father.

Though little is publicly known about Kim Ju Ae, she has in recent months been seen accompanying Kim Jong Un at high-profile military inspections, parades and official ceremonies. Her reported visit to Beijing in September is believed to have marked her first known overseas trip, further fuelling speculation about her emerging public role. Analysts say such visibility is significant in North Korea’s tightly controlled political system.

The development comes ahead of the ruling Workers’ Party congress scheduled for later this month, a key event held once every five years that shapes the country’s political and policy direction. Observers are closely watching whether the congress will provide further signals about succession planning in the reclusive nation.