SEOUL : The National Intelligence Service (NIS) has informed lawmakers that Kim Ju Ae, the teenage daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has entered the formal “successor designation” stage, marking a shift in her status within the country’s leadership structure.
During a closed-door briefing on February 12, 2026, intelligence officials said internal protocol in Pyongyang has moved beyond what was previously described as a “training” phase to an active nomination stage. Lawmakers Lee Seong-kweun and Park Sun-won, who attended the session, said the NIS assessment was based on a range of indicators observed in recent months.
Kim Ju Ae, believed to be about 13 years old, has appeared regularly at major state events since her first public appearance in November 2022. According to the NIS, she is now being treated in practice as the second-most prominent figure in the state hierarchy.
Intelligence officials cited several developments supporting this conclusion. Lawmakers said there are signs she has voiced opinions on certain state policies and participated in “field guidance” activities, where she reportedly listened to local concerns and offered implementation-related input.
Changes in ceremonial protocol were also noted. In recent state media coverage, she has been positioned either at the center of official photographs or alongside her father, rather than behind him. Such placement has traditionally been reserved for the Supreme Leader. During inspection visits, she has been seen walking beside Kim Jong Un.
State media terminology has also evolved. References to her have shifted from “beloved child” to “respected child” and “Morning Star of Korea,” titles with historical parallels to language associated with North Korea’s founder, Kim Il Sung.
The reported formalization of succession planning comes alongside heightened security measures surrounding Kim Jong Un. The NIS said protection has been strengthened due to perceived threats and internal instability. Measures include deployment of communications jamming vehicles and specialized drone detection systems around key residences and travel routes. Several senior security officials have also been replaced in what intelligence officials described as a security reshuffle.
Kim Ju Ae’s public profile has expanded steadily over the past three years. In November 2022, she appeared at the launch of the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile. In September 2023, she attended a large-scale military parade and was seated on the VIP platform next to her father. In September 2025, she traveled to Beijing on her first known overseas visit, where she met Chinese leadership. In January 2026, she visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun with her parents to pay respects at the family mausoleum.
International attention is now focused on the upcoming 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea, scheduled for late February. Intelligence agencies are monitoring whether Kim Ju Ae will be granted an official party position or whether party rules may be amended to formalize a successor role.
While North Korea has historically maintained a male-dominated leadership structure, the growing prominence of Kim Ju Ae and the visible role of Kim Yo Jong indicate a possible shift in public positioning within the ruling family. The NIS assessment suggests preparations are underway to ensure dynastic continuity under the current leadership framework.
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