KIM JONG Un PICKS 13-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER KIM JU Ae AS SUCCESSOR, SHAKING NORTH KOREA’S PATRIARCHAL TRADITIONS
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has revealed that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has chosen his 13-year-old daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his successor, marking a significant shift in the country’s male-dominated leadership.
Here are the key developments:
– A New Era in North Korea: Kim Ju Ae is the only publicly acknowledged child of Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and her selection as successor breaks with the country’s traditional male-dominated leadership.
– Increasing Public Presence: Ju Ae has been increasingly visible at major state functions, including the founding anniversary of the Korean People’s Army and a visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun.
– Policy Input: She has voiced her opinion on certain state policies, suggesting she may already be contributing to policy discussions.
– Symbolic Positioning : State media images show Ju Ae standing beside her father, rather than behind him, indicating her growing importance in the regime.
– Upcoming Party Congress : The development comes ahead of North Korea’s ruling party congress, where the country’s direction on foreign policy, war planning, and nuclear strategy is expected to be outlined.
– Historic Significance: If confirmed, Ju Ae’s succession would mark the first time a female leader has been chosen in North Korea’s history
As one South Korean lawmaker put it, “Kim Ju Ae has shown her presence at various events… The NIS believes she has now entered the stage of being designated as successor”.
Power in North Korea has remained within the Kim family for three generations.
Analysts have long speculated that Kim intends to preserve the dynastic line.
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